Betty R. Blakeman

Betty R. Blakeman, 86, of Springfield, died at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center. Betty was born June 23, 1927 in Springfield to Fred and Eva Jones Morris. Her mother later married Lawrence P. Prather, who raised her. She married Charles R. Blakeman and he preceded her in death in 1997. Betty was employed with the Secretary of State for 26 years until her retirement in 2002. She was a member of the VFW & DAV Ladies Auxiliaries. She and Charlie were also members of the American Legion. She liked to travel, collect teddy bears and Maxine memorabilia, and loved her grandson's birds and the family dog. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Eva and Lawrence Prather; two brothers, Cliff and Arnold Morris, and sister, Madeline Charles. She is survived by her three daughters, Charlene (Lenny) Beechler of Springfield, Lisa (Roy Schmedeke) Lascelles of Moweaqua, and Kara (John Boose) Blakeman of Petersburg; three grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Shriner's Children's Hospital, 2001 S. Lindberg Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131-3597. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.