Dr. Robert Stevens Blakely

Dr. Robert Stevens Blakely, 68, formerly of Marion, died on Wednesday night, March 12, 2003, at the Carbondale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  Dr. Blakely fought a rare brain disease that left him unable to speak or use his limbs in his final years.  He was born on January 18, 1935, the only child of William R. and Ida (Krone) Blakely.  His childhood was spent on his parents Tamaroa farm.  He attended Southern Illinois University before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in 1959.  Upon graduation, he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  He returned to Southern Illinois in 1962 and for the next 35 years, devoted his professional life to the care of animals as a veterinarian, including the founding of Central Hospital for Animals.  He was a past president of the Herrin Jaycees, an active member of the American Heartworm Association, and pursued a deep commitment to the care of animals and the environment through a variety of volunteer organizations. 

He is survived by two daughters and a son:  Patricia Lynn and husband Remington Irwin of Simpson, Laurie Ann and husband John Thompson of Makanda, and Scott Robert Blakely of Saint Louis.  Two grandsons, Raegan Conner Irwin and Robin Blakely Thompson also survive him.

A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at Giant City State Park in Makanda. Contact Huffman-Harker Funeral Home at 618 457-2400 for directions to the shelter at Giant City State Park.
