Given Obed Blakely, age 86, of Joplin, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.
Mr. Blakely, son of the late Fred and Rubye (Burnham) Blakely, was born on November 3, 1935 in Evansville, IN. He was baptized at the age of 7, and experienced a passionately renewed faith at the age of 16. He graduated from Griffith High School, Class of 1953, in Griffith, IN. He attended Lincoln Bible College in Illinois, and was ordained for ministry before the age of 20. Given went on to study higher math and composition at Purdue University, then accounting at the University of Indiana. He worked his way up to Head of Data Processing and System Development at the Lever Brothers Plant in Hammond, IN where he worked for over 30 years. He excelled in all his occupations, yet was first and foremost a minister of the gospel of Christ. He pastored in several churches before starting the Church at 78th & Independence in Merrillville, IN where he devoted tithes and offerings to publishing the gospel while living on his professional income. Throughout his life he dedicated much of his means to helping those in need and supporting ministries, including those overseas. After retiring, he moved to Joplin in 1992 to begin a ministry for pastors and teachers who were thirsting for spiritual healing. His ministry later grew into the Word of Truth Fellowship.
In his latter years, he became an increasingly prolific writer. His commentaries, sermons, daily devotions, and numerous other writings were and remain central sources of profound biblical teaching and encouragement for believers, pastors and churches around the world. While known for his own extensive labors for the Lord, he also took great delight in discipling preachers and providing Christians of all ages, both male and female, with opportunities to develop and share their spiritual gifts. Given was an anointed preacher, faithful pastor, devoted friend, loving husband, and generous father and grandfather. His loved ones are comforted to know that he is now present with the faithful Lord he wholeheartedly loved and served. By the grace of God, hope speaks to the heart, “till we meet again.”
Survivors include his wife, June Blakely of Joplin and his children: Michelle (Scott) Tyrcha of TN; Rochelle (DeWayne) Day of IN; Michael (Michele) Blakely of MO; Mark Blakely of CA; Richard (Karen) Sankowski of IN; Adah (Jason) Hutchcraft of Joplin; Benjamin Blakely of Joplin; Jonathan (Mattie) Blakely of Carthage; and Eva Blakely of Joplin. Also his brother, Timothy (Linda) Blakely of WA, and his sister, Nelda (Dan) Powers of IN, as well as 20 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and his beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and first wife, (Adanna Matias Blakely), he was preceded in death by his daughters, Pamela Brewer and Leah Oney, and 2 grandchildren, Christian Hope Blakely and Noah Blakely.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM (central time) at Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin with burial to follow at Osborne Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation Friday at the church beginning at 10:00 AM until service time. Memorial contributions may be made to Word of Truth Fellowship and may be entrusted to the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.