Obituary of Charles Eddie Blakeman

Charles Eddie Blakeman was born in Monroe, Michigan on January 8, 1944.   He was the son of Richard Frey Blakeman and Edith (Buskirk) Blakeman McMullin.  Charles was raised by his stepfather:  Edward McMullin, and was blessed with twelve brothers and sisters.   He grew up on the East Side of Monroe and attended Monroe Public Schools from where he would earn his GED.  

Charles enlisted into the United States Air Force and honorably served his country from May 22, 1961 until May 21, 1965.  He served as a jet engine mechanic.   Following his discharge from the military, Charles, was employed by the local union halls as a bricklayer.   He retired in March of 2008.

Charles enjoyed traveling the countryside and had made his home in Texas, Alaska, and Maryland in addition to Michigan throughout the years.   He loved the outdoors and often fished and hunted not only for sport but survival.   He preferred to be on his own, and had spent time in Alaska looking for gold.

Charles Eddie Blakeman Sr., age 73, of Toledo passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at St. Anne Mercy Hospital in Toledo.   In addition to his father, mother, and stepfather; his passing was preceded by a daughter:  Ann Margaret Blakeman on March 23, 1965; four siblings:  Barbara Sue Downs, Robert Joseph McMullin, Larry Lee McMullin, and Richard Blakeman; and a brother-in-law: Dale Kastle.

To cherish his memory he leaves four children:  Terri (Keith) Lynn Blakeman-Adolphi of Gary, Indiana, Charles Eddie (Tracy) Blakeman Jr. of Bellevue, Michigan, Sherri (William) Suter of Brandywine, Maryland; and Dennis (Lori) Trouten of LaSalle; two grandsons: Michael Roy of Michigan and Seth Roy of West Virginia; ; two step-granddaughters; eight siblings:  Phyllis Jean Kastle, Mary Lou (Jim) Ziegler, Delores Ann (Thomas) Balk, James (Pat) McMullin, Thomas Ray McMullin, David Allyn McMullin, Kathy Marie (Pete) Robidoux, and William Hobert McMullin; brother-in-law: Paul Downs; a sister-in-law: Mary McMullin and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather at 3:00pm on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Oakridge Estates Community Center, 75 Briarwood Trail Monroe, MI 48161.   Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Blakeman Family to assist with funeral arrangements.   Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.