Obituary of Clarence M. Blakley

Clarence M. Blakley, Jr., 73, of South Bend, Indiana passed away at his daughter's home in Chino Hills, California on Thursday, August 27, 2015. Clarence was born on May 1, 1942 to the union of the late Clarence and Mary Emma (Hibler) Blakley in Chicago, Illinois. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Cassopolis, Michigan and raised their children. While in high school, Clarence participated and received various metals and awards for track and field. Clarence graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1961. During his young adult life he actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement. After high school, and Seminary College, he went on to wed Myrean (Newsome) Blakley, who preceded him in death; to that union were born three children. Clarence later wed Rose (Mills) Blakley in South Bend. The two had an exceptional life together for 35 years, and loved their six children. His parents, and two brothers, Kevin and James Blakley, preceded Clarence in death. He is survived by his wife, Rose, his children; Teresa DeArmond of Chino Hills, California, Michael Blakley of Decatur, Georgia, DeVetta (Joseph) Farrow of Cassopolis, Michigan, Miguel (Kelley) Perez of Elkhart, Indiana, Benjamin (Jaqueline) Perez of Hazel Park, Michigan, Charles (Angie) Frierson of South Bend, Indiana; grandchildren, Jared (Sherrine) Nelson Sr., James Nelson, Danyel (Clairesetta) Nelson Sr., Deborah Nelson, Elijah Myers, DeLace DeArmond, Michael DeArmond, Dreyton DeArmond, Miguel Perez, Zephir Perez, Nicholas Perez(Juliana), Elizabeth Perez, Jaqueline Perez, Ashley Perez. Chasity Martin and Anthony Sommers, Zachary Nease, Garrett Nease; great-grandchildren, Jared Nelson Jr., Jarius Nelson, JaNylah Williams, Melody Nelson, and Danyel Nelson Jr. Bastian Perez, Nevaeh Burns, Gabriella Burns, Shaun McCaw, Aidan McCaw, Kelsi McCaw, Aubrey Mack, Maximus VanLuven, Avery Aunna Parks, Carmen Parks; a sister-in-law, Shelia Blakley of South Bend; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Clarence had various interests including a passion for all types of technology. He went on to pursue an Associates Degree in computer technology. He also loved reading, spending time with his family, working on his computers, making barbeque, and volunteering as a HAM radio operator for the City of South Bend R.A.C.E.S. program to mention a few. Home-going services will be held Friday, September 11, 2015 at River of Life Family Church located at 530 East Ireland Road in South Bend beginning at 12:00 p.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior, followed by an interment at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the family in lieu of flowers by calling Brown Funeral Home or visiting www.YouCaring.com/CBlakleyFuneral.