Bennie Blalock

Bennie was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He met the love of his life, Gretta January, in high school and they were married a few years later in the Church of Christ in Noble. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Toledo. He then went on to become a pilot. During the 60’s, he flew traffic watch with Captain Pardue, which aired over KTOK radio and was known for signing off as “Red Rover Over”. He then flew as the corporate pilot for Burford Co., located in Maysville, Oklahoma. Bennie went on to establish Oklahoma Helicopters, Inc. flight school, which was located in Norman. He was also a pilot examiner for the FAA for 34 years. He was the 1st helicopter appointed examiner in Oklahoma. Bennie’s love of flying began as a young child and never changed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Emma Ruth Jackson, Peggy Lee Graves, Patsy Jo Ellis, Jeannie Lewis and Virginia Ann Cotner; and brother, Glen Edward Blalock.

Those left to cherish their memory are Bennie’s wife of 65 years, Gretta Blalock; daughters: Robin Brown and husband, Randy and Lori Blalock. Grandchildren: Candace Dragg and husband, Chris, Andrew Brown and Benjamin Brown. Great grandchildren: Joscelyn Harper and Greyson Dragg.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Primrose Funeral Service. Inurnment will follow. The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation, dedicated to serve military veterans and their families.