Philip A. Blakeslee

Philip Arthur Blakeslee, age 95, of DeLand, Florida and formerly of Marshall, passed away on January 3, 2020 after a short illness.

Phil was born in Battle Creek, MI on September 22, 1924 to Floyd C. and Hazel M. (Whiting.) Blakeslee.

As so many of his members did, Phil served during WWII in the US Army as a member of the Signal Corps (switchboard operator) and crossed the Rhine with the 1st Infantry Division.

He returned home after his honorable discharge.  He married Mary Jeannette Ewer on November 25,1950 at the First Baptist Church in Marshall.  Phil and Jeannette were married for over 50 years before she preceded him in death on October 4, 2001.

Phil retired from Post Cereal Company, where he was a motorman/electrician, after 25 years of employment.

He was an avid gardener, who took pride in his garden and flowers.  He and his wife Jeanette enjoyed many activities together, including square dancing, and delivering Meals On Wheels to Marshall area shut ins.   Phil was also a life-long fan of the Detroit Tigers and loved fishing with his son Larry.  After Jeanette’s death he moved to DeLand from Marshall.

Phil is survived by his son Larry (Tisi) Blakeslee and daughter Pam Blakeslee both of DeLand, Florida; his granddaughters Marquise (Corey) Blakeslee-Ringer of Maryland and Alicia Blakeslee of Florida; and great-granddaughters Tzipporah Blakeslee-Ringer, Peninah Blakeslee-Ringer and Rhea Ann Blakeslee.

Besides his wife Jeanette, he was preceded in death by his great-grandson Judah Blakeslee-Ringer, his half-sisters Janet, Katherine and Ruth Cox, and half-brother Charles Blakeslee.

Friends may call at the Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, January 17 from 11AM – 1PM.    A graveside service will follow at 2PM at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Friday with Rev. James Codde officiating and full military honors being conducted to honor his service to his country.

The family suggests you remember Phil with a memorial contribution to Marshall Meals On Wheels, Assistance is available at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services.

To leave Phil’s family a message please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.