John Earl Blakely Jr

John Earl Blakely, Jr.
November 26, 1963 – March 11, 2019

John Earl Blakely, Jr. known to many as Johnny Earl or Bub was born on November 26, 1963 to John Earl Blakely and Mary Ellen (Compton) Blakely in Indianapolis, Indiana. He passed away unexpectedly in his home on the morning of March 11, 2019.

He was the eldest of his siblings and had a large family on both sides. He lived on both the Eastside and Westside of Indianapolis growing up and attended George Washington High School.

He worked for many years as a forklift operator at the Dollar General Store Warehouse in Scottsville, Kentucky and had been a cook at serval different restaurants. He was a good cook and could make a meal from just about anything. Mom always said he was the only one out of her children who would never go hungry.

He never knew a stranger, he was a free spirit and you would never catch him without his hat, bandana or sunglasses on. He was a Colts fan, loved fishing, cold beer and good music. Bub loved kids and every kid he crossed paths with loved him. Many who spent time with him knew that money was something that would never stop him from having a good time. He was known for taking his kids, nieces, nephews, cousins and other neighborhood kids on what he called “big adventures”. They would walk through trails, down train tracks, pick worms, go fishing, take bus rides downtown, and play in the creek. He was a big kid himself and just loved being with them. “Making Memories” is what was the most important to him.

He enjoyed many good times over the years with friends, loved family gatherings and good food. He will be deeply missed by everyone who was blessed to have known him, his smile, his charm and his huge heart.

John is survived by his stepdad Johnny (Hoss) Singleton.

Sisters – Shannon Blakely, Kellie Adams (Gordon), Killy Blakely and Angela “Angel” Alfonso (Mark). He would always call and say “guess who loves you the most.”

Brothers – Tony Weddle, Chris Blakely (Amanda), Dennis Blakely and James Favors. Bub always said he was the better looking one.

Children – Ashley Nicole, Ryan Lee, John Nathan and Brandon Tyler. “Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then, it’s a love without end, Amen.” They were his heart and soul whether they knew it or not.

Grandchildren – Riley, Nathaniel, Tristen, Jayden and Everly. Nathaniel and Tristen would call him “papaw down yonder” because he lived in Kentucky for a long time.

He is also survived by his girlfriend and long time friend Tonja Benton and her son Kyle (partner), uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, cousins and life long friends.

He was preceded in death by his father John Earl Blakely, mother Mary Ellen (Compton) Singleton, sister Mary Ruth Blakely (who died in infancy) and long time love Mary Sue South of Scottsville, Kentucky. With all of the family and friends who passed before him, his welcome party in Heaven will be one for the books.

It’s hard to turn the page when you know someone won’t be in the next chapter, but the story must go on. He will live on in our hearts forever. We love you.