UNION, WV – With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of R.D. Blakeslee, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Dave was born on May 21, 1931. He departed this world on October 28, 2024. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, during the Great Depression and World War II. He worked in an automobile factory at a young age. During these exhausting days of labor, he realized he wanted to pursue a higher purpose in life. He met Elaine Herivel while living in Detroit. They remained married for 52 years!

Dave was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Mindanao, Philippines, as a cartographer. He spent two years in the Army and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. The family is blessed to have all the "letters of courtship" Dave and Elaine wrote during his service.

Dave and Elaine moved to the Washington D.C. area after he gained employment at the U.S. Patent Office. During this time, Dave and Elaine had five children: Carolyn, Jonathan, Ellen, Paul, and Erik. When Dave retired in 1977, the family moved to Union, West Virginia.

After Elaine's passing in 2007, Dave remarried to Tatjana van Beckhoven while welcoming daughters Nichole and Tanja into the family. The surviving family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their condolences and support.

He is deeply missed. He will be forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In keeping with Dave's wishes, he will be cremated. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to send online condolences or would like to sign the online guestbook, please do so by visiting www.groves-mann.com. Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home, Union, WV.