Ivan L. Blaker

On Friday, September 15, 2017, Ivan Lloyd Blaker of New Albany, Ks left his earthly form to join loved ones who had gone before him. Ivan was just 3 days shy of his 87th birthday.

Ivan was born on a farm outside of Altoona, Ks to Fredrick l. and Susie V.(Crawshaw) Blaker. He attended country schools before graduating from Fredonia High School with the class of 1948. He then attended Neosho County Community College before marrying Betty l. Anderson on August 18, 1950 in Fredonia. Ivan and Betty were married almost 59 years until her passing.

On January 30, 1952 Ivan joined the united states army serving as a corporal in Fort Gordon, GA until January 1954 and was honorably discharged in January of 1960.

Ivan retired as a welder from the Burlington Northern Railroad after 42 years. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, tinkering with anything mechanical, and was a dedicated job's daughter’s dad. He was a former member of the Burrton United Methodist church and current member of the New Albany United Methodist Church where he served as board chairman for many years. He was also a longtime member of the New Albany city council and a lifetime member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees.

Ivan is survived by two daughters, Laura Henderson and partner Clayton Linville and Susan Blaker both of Fredonia , one foster-daughter-Debbie Grow of Burrton, KS, one foster son- Michael B. Adams and wife Connie of Springfield, Mo, one grandson- Jeremiah Christian and wife Amanda, New Albany, 6 granddaughters-Jennifer Suitcliff and husband Jeremy, Port Aranasis, TX, Gayle Benetiz , Florida, Jamie Rodriguez and husband Kevin , Hutchinson, Jessica Christian and husband Abel, Wichita, Julia Caraway and husband Jeremy, Walden, KS and Erica Henderson, Lawrence, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Sharon Blaker, Joan Houchin, Irene Lakin (Ron), and Nancy Wescott (Jon) and brothers-in-law Don Anderson (Melva), Bud Anderson (Peggy) and Rick Anderson (Beckey).

He was proceeded in death by his wife Betty, his parents and grandparents, and his brother Arvin Blaker.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M, Friday September 22, 2017 at Weakley Cemetery, New Albany, Kansas with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Memorial remembrances are suggested to the New Albany United Methodist Church and they may be left of mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 N. 7th, Fredonia, Kansas 66736.