Richard L. Blakely

Richard L. Blakely of Caro, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Tuscola County Medical Care Facility in Caro, Michigan. On December 19, 1940, Richard was born in Lansing, Michigan, to the late Lewis and Fern (Richardson) Blakely. He was a 1959 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Following his graduation, Richard began his long life of service to community and country by enlisting in the United States Air Force from 1959 until his honorable discharge in 1962. While in the Air Force, he met the woman who would become the love his life, Linda Sue Baker. They met at a USO dance in Oklahoma and Richard, being quite the dancer himself, caught Sue’s eye. The couple would wed on April 20, 1960, and share over 65 years of love and dedication to others. She survives him.

Richard spent 10 years in sales with Cooper Chevrolet in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Beginning his law-enforcement career, Richard graduated out of the 80th Class from the Michigan State Police Academy in Lansing. Richard was recruited as a State Trooper and assigned to West Branch before ultimately taking a position as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Tuscola County where he served his community until his retirement in 2004. During his time in law enforcement, he earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Delta College and then he finalized his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Saginaw State University.

Richard was deeply involved in his community throughout his life, in ways that extended well beyond his career. Richard was deeply faithful in his beliefs and lived out his faith in his everyday life. He was a member of Caro United Methodist Church, where he served as president of the United Methodist Men’s group, and participated in Lay and Youth Ministries. Richard had a strong belief in supporting Forgotten Men Ministries within the Tuscola County Jail and Florence State Prison, Arizona. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Gideons International, and the Freemasons.

Richard’s success with the Safety Ville Program in Tuscola County Schools led to his being chosen to attend the State of Michigan’s first D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Recruit School in 1988. He helped establish and develop the D.A.R.E. program in Tuscola County, building it into a successful program serving nine school districts across the county. Richard served as a D.A.R.E. officer for several decades, working closely with local students and schools. His dedication to children’s education and safety earned him the honor of D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year, and he was also elected to serve as D.A.R.E. Sergeant-at-Arms for the State of Michigan. In addition to his work with D.A.R.E., Richard was passionate about educating young people and taught Hunter’s Safety. During this time, he was also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

He and Sue’s teamwork to support the Arc of Tuscola County as an elected president and then serve on the board to the Arc of Bay County, as well as their endless support of individuals with developmental disabilities saw them placed within the Congressional Records of the State of Michigan as “Pillars of the Community.”

Richard was a devoted family man who treasured time with those closest to him. He and Sue enjoyed traveling across the country to visit family and create many cherished memories along the way. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Richard is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Sue; children, Michael Blakely, David (Julie Hanes) Blakey, Mary Beth Garrett, and Joshua Blakely; grandchildren, Rick Blakely, Brittany Blakely, Peyton (Nina) Blakely, Rebecca (Gerald) Ten Brink, Hannah (Dimitri Sepsakos) Blakely, Wylie Garrett, and Wynn (Katelyn Kennedy) Garrett; and ten great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

A funeral service for Richard will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Caro United Methodist Church, 670 West Gilford Road, Caro, MI, with Pastor Bob Demyanovich presiding. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20 at Ransford Funeral Home – Caro, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Caro United Methodist Church, the Arc of Bay City, or the Fraternal Order of Police, Greater Thumb Area Lodge #148.