Ricky Gene “Rick” Blakesley, 64, of Hutchinson, died April 22, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was born July 12, 1959, in Russell, to Claude Ray and Margaret Ellen (Boxberger) Blakesley.
Rick graduated from Hays High School in 1978, National College in 1996, and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, in 1980. His work career was quite varied. Rick was a deputy for the Barton County Sheriff’s Department, oilfield worker for B.J. Titan, team member at Arconic (formerly Alcoa), before retiring from Reno County Youth Services and the Reno County Public Works Department.
Rick was a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68 and volunteered every year at the National Junior College basketball tournament. He supported the Hutchinson Salthawks, Hutchinson Blue Dragons, and enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas University basketball. In his spare time, he collected coins, worked on old cars, and rode his motorcycle. Above all, Rick loved his family. He was a proud son, husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Rick was always there to support his three children in their school activities, take family vacations, and spoil and tease his six grandchildren. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.
On May 18, 1985, he married Lori Michelle Otte, in Great Bend.
Rick is survived by: his wife of almost 39 years, Lori Blakesley of Hutchinson; children, Audree Lynn Blakesley Senestraro (Adrian Joseph) of Lawrence, Emile Michelle Blakesley Frantz (Dylan Jeffrey) of Lubbock, TX, and Tanner Blakesley (Claire Morgan Gee) of Topeka; grandchildren, Maddison and Maia Senestraro, Maddex and Brynley Frantz, and Avery and Eleanor Blakesley; parents, Claude and Margaret Blakesley of Salina; siblings, Ginny Neil (Allan) of Derby, Tina Burtzloff of Salina, and Rodney Blakesley (Barbara) of Urbandale, IA; and his beloved dog, Cosmo.
He was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Ted Boxberger, Leona Price, and Vernon and Delia Blakesley; brother-in-law, Tom Burtzloff; and his beloved four-legged Zoey.
Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 17th and Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Graveside service will be 3:00 p.m. at the Natoma Cemetery, Natoma, KS. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the family present to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will also greet from 9:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of Reno County, Trinity United Methodist Church, or Sons of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.