Blakely – Edward Blakely, aged 99, passed away at home Tuesday, October 28, 2003. He leaves behind his wife, Thelma, his son and grandchildren. His first wife Francis Roach preceded him in death in 1980. Edward was a lifelong resident of Kent County, living in the Cannonsburg and Belmont area; Blakely Roach was named for his farm, which he purchased in 1920 as a teenager. Edward loved to share his experiences and memories from the past that included shaking hands with Michigan Governor Sleeper as a member of the 4-H, the purchase of his first car, a 1922 Ford Model T Coupe, and the paving of Monroe Street north. IN the early 1920s, Ed worked as a streetcar conductor for the Grand Rapids Railway Co., conducting streetcars throughout Grand Rapids. In 19 the 1940s Edward was influential in the establishment of credit unions in Grand Rapids and worked extensively to promote them throughout the area; he was a member of St. Alphonsus Parish and managed their thrift stores. As an avid golfer, Ed not only enjoyed the game but also annually volunteered to assist in the Grand Rapids Golf Classic until 2001. Much of the last three years of Edward's life were spent as Chair of the Kent County Civil War Monument Restoration Project Committee. As one of Michigan's only two know sons who could claim their father fought in the Civil War. Edward campaigned long and hard to raise funs fro the restoration of the monument that honored, not only the men from Kent County, but his father, Egbert and uncle, Buell Blakely. Complaining that he was too young to serve in WWI and too old to serve in WWIII, Edward supported veterans faithfully and proudly wore his V is for Veterans pin. Ed was a member of the Gen. John A. Logan Camp No. 1, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Michigan Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Ed also frequently traveled to area schools to share his life's experiences and his love of the Civil War. Never really knowing his father, he read many books and attended many reenactments in order to learn more about who his father was. Always one to have a smile and a song, Ed was a friend to all. Friends and family will be received at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm Friday and for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A short memorial service will be held at 11:00 am. Saturday at the funeral home. Bruce B. Butgereitt officiating, followed by a service performed at the graveside by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Phase Two of the Kent County civil War Monument Restoration Project, made payable to SUVCW MRP, 2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49595. The family is being served by Ryers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.