Frank Ross Blakesley

August 14, 1943 - October 7, 2019

Frank Ross Blakesley Services for Frank Ross Blakesley will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, October 11, 2019, in the chapel of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Derek Ducote and Rev. Dan O’Connor officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. on Friday, October 11, 2019, and last until the time of service at the funeral home. Frank Ross Blakesley, 76, of Alexandria, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2019. Ross is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Theresa, and his two siblings, Dale Blakesley and Ann Cunningham. Ross was a tireless provider for his family. He began selling furniture and flooring at Clark-Dunbar where he worked his way to management, and loyally remained until his retirement. As an avid supporter of baseball, he coached his children to many Alexandria Dixie Youth successes. Ross was an unbound spirit and a lover of music, particularly rhythm and blues. Irma Thomas and Bobby Bland were some of his favorite artists, but he could often be found shaking a tail feather to just about any song that was dance-worthy. His music collection was extensive and he traveled several times to Jazz Fest to take in the sounds and experiences of New Orleans. Ross will be remembered as a masterful BBQ chef (charcoal only, he would have you know), and an aficionado of relaxation. He loved the beach and planned numerous family vacations to Destin, FL. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include three children, Toni Wilmore (Ryan), Shelly Blakesley (Denise Hemler), and Josh Blakesley (Heather); five grandchildren, Lindsay Connella, Dylan Wilmore, Jonathan Wilmore, Sophie Blakesley, and Sutton Blakesley; one niece, Holly Swinnen, and numerous extended family members. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to The Manna House, 2655 Lee St, Alexandria, LA., 71301, or Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, 401 21st St., Alexandria, LA 71301, or to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 7801 Bay Branch Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77382. The Blakesley Family wishes to thank the nursing staff, especially, Jessica, at Dubuis Hospital of Alexandria for all the love and support that they gave Ross during this time. They also wish to thank Sadie Blakesley, Keith Bradford, and Kathy Garthrop for the extra loving hands they gave. To extend online notes of condolence to the Blakesley Family, please visit www.KramerFunerals.com.