Harold Dean Blakely

US Air Force Major (Retired) Harold “Harry” Dean Blakely passed away on January 9, 2024, at the age of 87 in Arlington, Texas. Harry will be remembered for his many roles in life: a decorated serviceman and world-class pilot, a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, a geologist, an antique dealer (expert wood worker), and a vivid storyteller who brought his many adventures to life for all those fortunate to hear him tell his stories. His inquisitive mind, his love of exploring, and his love of learning persisted to his last day.

Harry was born in Peculiar, Missouri, on May 31, 1936, to Floyd and Agnes Blakely. He attended a one room country school, graduated from Lebanon High School and joined the Air Force, where he became a pilot and achieved the rank of Major, travelling the world. Harry and his family lived in many states, including South Carolina, Connecticut, California, Nevada, Alabama, Tennessee, and overseas in Okinawa and Bermuda.

Harry served in South Vietnam and following a mission over Laos, was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the Air Force’s highest honors, awarded for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. He also received the Vietnam Service Medal of Honor with two stars and three Silver Oak Leaf Clusters for flights over North and South Vietnam and Laos. The airplanes Harry flew were B-25s, C-124s, C-130s and KC- 97s. Harry was commander of Blind Bat 1 flying the C-130 Hercules.

Harry met his soulmate, Alice Vincent Blakely, when stationed in Bermuda. They married in 1962 and shared many adventures together. After retiring from the Air Force in 1974, Harry attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. In 1976, he moved his family to Arlington, TX, where he continued his studies in geology. He loved taking his family on camping field trips, exploring roads unknown across the United States.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Alice, his brothers Charles and Jerry, his children Mary Lou Blakely of Seattle, Washington (spouse Tracy Gosling), Kathy Hollar of Camas, Washington (spouse Tim), and Diane Barnett of Arlington (spouse Tye). He is also survived by his eight cherished grandchildren.

An internment service will be held on February 2, 2024, at 2:30 pm at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211. A Celebration of Life will be held later that day. Please contact a family member for details. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org or the charity of your choice.

May all who knew and loved Harry cherish the fond memories of a life well lived.