Robert (Bob) Allen Blakesley, 73, of Sacramento, CA, and half time Bradenton, FL, resident passed away on the early morning of April 24, 2024, in Bradenton. He lost his courageous and lengthy battle with Alpha-One Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition, which led to liver and lung complications.
Robert was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He attended Worthington High school and graduated in 1969. Soon after, he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served our country until his retirement in 1990, after which he settled with his family in Sacramento, CA. He traveled the world during his enlistment and worked in several career fields.
He worked in Environmental Health at Lackland AFB, Texas, where he ran the largest film badge program in the Air Force. He was an aircraft Hydraulics Mechanic at McClellan AFB, Sacramento and Hydraulics Shop Chief at Myrtle Beach AFB, SC. He was also a Crew Chief on the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker Aircraft in Minot, ND. As if one job were not enough, when he was stationed at McClellan, he also worked evenings and weekends at Kmart on Auburn Blvd in Citrus Heights, CA. He was assigned the call letters B4.
When he would be called over the loudspeaker, he would say a joke to himself "before I go crazy!" He was so sweet he even agreed to be Santa one year for the store. He was fondly known as "Crazy Bob" by his coworkers because he knew how to get the job done right and keep his incredible humor in all situations.
Robert served the State of California as a Peace Officer from April 1993 through March of 2009. He worked at Soledad Correctional Facility and Central Medical Facility in Vacaville, CA. His abilities with people and Military background made him a good fit for this career and he was well liked.
Robert loved to travel and be outdoors. He rode his motorcycle and bicycle and drove his boat and motor home. He loved working with his hands fixing and repairing things including antique pocket watches. He loved the water and the beach. He appreciated music and arts. He loved animals and had many pets including Lady, Zack and Jack. Most of all he loved to laugh.
Robert is survived by his wife and soulmate, Brenda; his beautiful and beloved daughter, Brittany; and sons by first marriage, Craig (Brooke) and Sebastian; uncle, Jim Blakesley; aunt, Rexine Vincent; oldest brother, Dan (Noe) Butler; niece, Marisa; nephew Travis; aunt, Marjorie Hunter; sister-in-law, Nani Blakesley; nieces Alyssa (Raymond) Blakesley-Hee; brother-in-law, Brad (Sheri) Frechette; and numerous cousins, friends and former coworkers whom he adored.
Robert will be greatly missed, and life is going to be difficult without his presence.
A Committal Service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207, is in charge of the arrangements.
