Fred A. Blakley

Fred A. Blakley, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Born on January 27, 1942 in Liberty, Indiana to Earl and Wilhelmane Blakley. He was married to Linda L. Larrison on January 28, 1968 in Connersville, Indiana.

Fred served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam War Veteran. He was also a member of AMVETS Post #33 in Fort Wayne. Fred worked at International Harvester, North American Van Lines, and then worked at ITT for 21 years where he retired in 2010. Fred loved to work, so in his retirement he was hired at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo as the Carousel operator, which was his dream job. He enjoyed collecting carousel horses, traveling, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and games with friends and family. Fred was also a huge fan of the Indianapolis Colts.

Surviving are his daughters, Kimberly A. (Dan) Rowlett of Fort Wayne and Denise R. (Dan) McLaughlin of Greenwood, Indiana; four grandchildren, Michael, Erin, David, and Danielle; and sister, Sally Noble of Liberty, Indiana. Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Linda L. (Larrison) Blakley; and parents, Earl and Wilhelmane Blakley.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 7, 2024 at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home 6424 Winchester Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial to follow the service at Covington Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in Fred’s memory.