Joseph Michael Blakley

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arringing safely in a pretty and well preserved body. But rather, to skid in broadside, thouroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming,
"WOW! WHAT A RIDE!!"

Family visitation was held 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA.

A Memorial Service was held 2:00 PM, Thursday, July 28, 2005 at Behner Funeral Home. Rev. James Cecil officiated. Cremation followed the memorial service.

Following Joseph's wishes, the family requests no flowers. Memorials may be sent to the Cody Paxton Trust c/o
Fran Cox
615 W. Jackson
Fairfield, IA 52556

It was Joe's wish that a banquet and wake be held at his home for all his friends and family to say their final goodbyes. This will be held
3:00 PM, Saturday, September 17, 2005 at
1835 200th St.
Fairfield, IA 52556

Joseph Michael Blakley was born September 28, 1952 at Jefferson County Hospital in Fairfield. He was the son of Victor and Mildred (Greazel) Blakley.

Joe attended Fairfield Community Schools and served in the Armed Forces. He was a self-employed building contractor in the Fairfield area for 30 years. Joe loved hunting and fishing, racing on his "backyard" track and woodworking.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Cody Jean Paxton and her mother, Mary Paxton of Marion, Iowa, three sisters, Mary and husband Ron Thomas of Webster, TX, Fran and husband Reggie Cox of Fairfield, IA and Jane and husband Kevin Scott of Fairfield, along with many loving nieces and nephews, one greatniece and four greatnephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents.