LARRY JOE BLAKEY, 67, of Winfield, passed away December 23, 2008, at Winfield Rest Haven.

Born on June 4, 1941, in Winfield, he was the son of Ralph and Nettie (Patterson) Blakey. He was raised in Winfield, graduating Winfield High School in 1960.

On November 17, 1978, Joe was united in marriage to Mary Jo Hartman in Winfield. The couple remained in Winfield, where they had lived for the last 30 years.

Larry was a delivery driver for Coca Cola Bottling Company in Winfield for twenty years. After leaving Coca Cola, he worked at Galaxy Tools, and later worked at Winfield Unified School District where he worked as a custodian until he retired.

Larry enjoyed reading, watching Nascar races, sport shooting, and fishing and hunting. He loved spending time with family and friends. Every Friday morning, you could find Larry, along with three of his high school classmates, at College Hill Coffee Shop, sharing tales of the past and present. The past several years he spent time as a volunteer for both Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity along side his wife, Jo. Larry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his step children and their families. He and his wife traveled to California often to see all children and grandchildren who live there. Larry spent the last years being a loving caregiver for his wife during her long battle with cancer.

His family includes:
His brother: Jim Blakey and wife, Ardith of Winfield;
His sister: Vivian (Blakey) Wheeler of Mountain Home, AR;
His step-sons: Hugh Hartman of Winfield; and Casey Hartman and wife, Tracy of Temecula, CA;
His step-daughters: Torrie King and husband, Don of Riverside, CA; and Gwen Folk and husband, Dennis of Lake Matthews, CA;
His 9 grandchildren: Sarah, Craig, Kyle, Nathan, Eric, Bryce, Brittany, Carson, and Clayton; and
His 2 great-grandchildren: Paislee and Rylee.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary "Jo" Blakey, who passed away in October.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 11:00 A.M., at the First Baptist Church in Winfield under the direction of the family.

A Memorial has been established in Larry's name for the Winfield Habitat for Humanity. Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.