George Rapheal Blakeman

George Rapheal Blakeman, 83, passed away Thursday May 25, 2017 at the Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs, Calif.

Born in Waterloo, Iowa on April 29, 1934, George was the son of Donald Wesley Blakeman and Bernice Frances (Quirk). The family moved from Iowa to California when George was 5, living in Altadena and Inglewood.

George married Georgia Ellen Nibley in Pasadena on February 28, 1952 and had daughters Linda and Cynthia. Moving to Fallbrook, Calif. in 1960, George and his family embraced the rural lifestyle. George joined the Fallbrook Volunteer Fire Department and was involved in 4-H and school activities with his daughters.

He loved anything mechanical and could always find ways to improve a tool or a gadget. He was employed for many years at Bryant’s Welding in Fallbrook.

George married Jeanne D. Sikes on November 15, 1974 and moved to Valley Center, Calif. George and Jeanne spent the next 40 years enjoying travel, friends, family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

One of George's hobbies was making homemade beer and he always had a new batch ready for anyone who dropped by. Their Thanksgiving dinners and tamale-making parties were legendary. Jeanne passed away on Dec. 14, 2014.

In 2016, George moved to Palm Springs, Calif. to be closer to his daughter Linda. He loved the warm weather and mountain views.

George is survived by his brothers Donald and James (wife Bonnie); daughters Linda Meadows and Cynthia Dunnebacke. Also survived by Patricia Sikes (Marni), Nona Silverthorn (David), four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, niece and nephews.

George was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Bernice; sister Darlene Koebig and wives Georgia (Nibley) and Jeanne (Smith).

Per George's wishes there will be no service or memorial.