Ronald "Deacon" Dean Blakely

Ron lived his entire life in the Inland Empire. He was born on March 16, 1946 at Loma Linda Hospital. Ron was the youngest child of John and Marjorie Blakely of San Bernardino.

He was a friendly gregarious child, characteristics he maintained into adulthood. He loved to fish and play baseball with his family. He even spent time on a community Little League team. While in high school, he joined the school orchestra and played the French horn. Later, he served as the school’s mascot, “Johnny Cardinal” encouraging crowds at sports events.

For a short time, he lived with his Aunt Marie and Uncle Bud Valley in Pasadena while he attended barber college in Los Angeles. He worked as a barber a few months before joining the U.S. Army where he was deployed to Viet Nam. His mother prayed for his safe return every day.

After his discharge from his duties serving his country, he decided to attend, California State University, San Bernardino. He earned his Bachelor of Arts as well as Master of Arts degrees and a teaching credential.

Ron pursued a career with the California Department of Corrections where he held several leadership positions. For a time, he served as the Public Information Officer and was promoted to Associate Warden at the Chino Facility.

At Ron’s 70th birthday party, he welcomed dozens of friends and colleagues. A few attendees were classmates from Kindergarten at Harding Elementary School. Several friends from his family’s Church, St. Paul AME joined in the celebration.

Ron’s wife, Maria O Blakely, preceded him in death on January 7, 2020. Survivors include a son, Ronald Carter Blakely, daughters, Maryann White-Penright (Quillie, Jr) and Teresa Smith, As well as four grandchildren, Naomi, William, and Bailey Smith, and Tyra Loring and 2 great grandchildren, Robert, and Kristopher. Ron leaves to mourn his passing brothers, John C Blakely, Jr (Florence), Anthony J “Tony” Blakely (Jennifer), sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Clark (Donald Harper), and Benita Roberts (Bob) as well as 4 nieces, 3 nephews, and great nieces and nephews.