A Memorial Mass for Michael B. Blakely, 65 of Newark will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 785 Newark-Granville Road, Granville, OH with Rev. Father Timothy Hayes, celebrant.

Mike died July 13, 2023 at Embassy of Newark.   He was born January 28, 1958 in Mount Vernon, OH to the late Virgil and Sharon (Miller) Blakely.  A 1977 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Mike completed his studies in 2009 with a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design from Columbus College of Art and Design.

Mike was a talented artist and photographer.  To know him was to appreciate his sharp wit and dry sense of humor.  Mike was active in the community lending his talents to various activities.  He enjoyed time spent volunteering and  as an usher at The Midland Theatre.  Mike was a parishioner of St. Edward the Confessor Church and had previously been active at St. Francis de Sales Church.

Survivors include his loving wife, Patricia (Smith) Blakely; a sister, Michelle (Terry) Durbin; sisters in-law, Dena Smith, Laura (Rick) Parker; brothers in-law, Vince (Cindi) Smith, John (Judy) Smith; nieces and nephews, Christina Balcom, Alicia Parker-Webb, Gerad Parker, Eric Parker, Andrea Cullinan, Alison Rhodes, Collin Smith, Conner Smith, Adelyn Bennett, and Mitchell  Clouse; additionally, Mike was "grunkle" to many great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by a nephew, Aaron Smith.

Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, 1850 W. Main Street, Newark.

Memorial contributions may be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Licking County or the Special Olympics.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the exceptional care they received from the staff at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center – 11th Floor, Doan Hall; Embassy of Newark and Generations Hospice.