Neil Eugene Blakeman

Neil Eugene Blakeman was born on November 19, 1939 at home on a farm outside of Wellsville, Kansas. Dr. Reece came to the house to deliver him; he was born early and had to be put on an open oven door to keep him warm. He was the first child of Avis and Carrol Blakeman. He passed away on November 24, 2025 less than a week after his 86th birthday. He was living at Benton House of Olathe at that time.

Neil grew up on small farms in eastern Kansas and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1957. He then joined the Navy and was always proud that he served his country. After the Navy he entered K-State and graduated in 1964 with an Agricultural Business degree. He worked briefly as an Agricultural Extension Agent in Marysville, KS and then for a few years as a research agronomist at John Deere in East Moline, IL. Neil then earned a Master’s degree in Business at the University of Iowa, and in 1970 he began his career in banking where he continued to work until his retirement in 1998. He enjoyed his work and especially his relationships with his coworkers.

He was committed to Lighthouse Presbyterian Church and was sad when health issues caused he and Helen to be unable to attend in person. His pastimes included fixing cars, traveling (especially hiking in Colorado), working on their property (clearing land, growing a garden, etc.) and being involved in the Sunrise Lion Club.

Neil is survived by five loving children: Bret Miller (Claudia), Michele Kibler (Bill), Brenda Christy (Richard), Annette Myers (Scott), and Galen Blakeman (Nicole). He also leaves behind his siblings Cynthia Hodges (Verlin) and Nancy Gilchrist as well as nine grandchildren (Nola Miller, Ava Miller, Jediah Miller, Jeff Kibler, Megan Jacobs, Sam Christy, Ashley Bryers, Joshua Myers, Andrew Myers) and 2 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Diane Blakeman, his second wife Helen Blakeman and his parents Avis and Carrol Blakeman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lighhouse Presbyterian Church ℅ Dengel and Son Mortuary - Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.

Visitation will take place on December 8, 2025, beginning at 10:00am at the Lighthouse Church of Paola with a funeral service to follow beginning at 11:00am. Burial will take place following the services at Paola Cemetery.

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