Billy Gene Blaylock

Billy G. Blaylock, 71, of St. Joseph, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2001 at Lakeland Continuing Care Center-St. Joseph following a lengthy illness. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Military rites will be conducted by Coloma American Legion #362, Hartford American Legion #93, VFW Post #1137-Benton Harbor, and VFW Post #6803-Watervliet. The Family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Thursday at the Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the services with burial of ashes at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Family. Mr. Blaylock was born April 23, 1930 in Bakersfield, MO. He was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War. While in service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, President?s unit citation and the Korean Service Medal with three bronze camp stars. He retired from Clark Equipment in 1986 as a welder after 30 years of service. He was an active member of the UAW and very politically motivated. He was a loyal member of the VFW Post #1137, Benton Harbor. Billy courageously spent the last 10 years battling emphysema. He had a passion for life and a zest for living. Billy is survived by his children, Larry Blaylock, Pam Blaylock and Tammy (Dave) O?Connor, all of St. Joseph, 5 adoring grandchildren; sisters-Bonnie (Jack) Nichols of Joplin, MO, Betty (Billy) Durham of Eau Claire, Judy (Roy) Disterheft of Eau Claire, and a brother Gary (Lynn) Blaylock of St. Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents-Cecil and John Blaylock, his brother Ted Blaylock, his sister Leona Coggins and his son Jon G. Blaylock. Our father touched many lives with his strong will and determination. He has finally found his peace and our loving thoughts will follow him everyday.