Obituary of Gary Blakeman

Gary Blakeman, age 87, died peacefully at his home in Sumter, SC on August 18, 2023. Born August 16,1936, in Norfolk, Nebraska, he was the son of Kenneth and LaVerne Blakeman. He was preceded in death by his brother, Glen. He is survived by his daughters Cheryl Ehlers (Jeff) of Phoenix, AZ, and Lori Targonski (Jim) of Waxhaw, NC; his six grandchildren Megan Gotshall (Tyler), Joshua Ehlers (Kenzie), Emily Leavitt (Clint), Blake Targonski (Caroline), Caroline Targonski and Connor Targonski; and one great-grandchild. His former wife, Delores Blakeman, is a resident of Scottsdale, AZ. He served in the US Army, stationed in South Korea. His work history included 18 years with Singer-American Meter in Nebraska City, NE and Philadelphia, PA. He relocated to Sumter, SC in 1980 with Becton Dickinson until his retirement in 1997. Following retirement, he served as a contract consultant with BD for eight years, serving the company on a worldwide basis. A private family memorial celebration will be held at a future date. Honoring his and his family’s passion for education and leadership development, memorials may be made to Garuna Ministries (a non-profit charity that trains church workers and builds Christian schools in Southeast Asia) in lieu of flowers. The ministry is based in Arizona (www.garuna.org) at 11034 N. 36 th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85028. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.