Donald D. Blaylock

Donald Dee Blaylock of Emporia, died on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia.  He was 88.

Don was born on September 24, 1935, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of V. Clyde and Bonnie McClung Blaylock.  He married Joellen Elliott at the First United Methodist Church in Emporia in 1955.  She survives.

Surviving family members include his wife Joellen of the home; sons, Daryl (Barbara) Blaylock of Emporia, and Bruce (Jayle) Blaylock of Council Grove; grandson, Andy Blaylock of Council Grove; brother, Ron Blaylock of Norman, Oklahoma.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Don graduated from Emporia High in 1953 and Emporia State University in 1957.  He served in the United States Naval Reserves.  Don was very talented and held many occupations.  He and his wife Joellen owned and operated Blaylock’s Restaurant by the Santa Fe Depot, Red Lion, Angela’s, Mr. B’s and Blaylock’s Catering, the Emporia Country Club Manager, International Tourist Travel Agency and the Food Service Manager of Sierra Ski Ranch in Tahoe, California and a Salesman for ABC New Dimensions in Emporia.  Along with those occupations you could also find him building a garage or painting a house.

Don was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Emporia, the Emporia Masonic Lodge, Arab Shriners and the Arab Mini T’s.  He served on the Planning and Zoning Board for 9 years and the City Commission for 2 terms and was Mayor of Emporia for a year.  Don liked to compete in water skiing, snow skiing, tennis, golf, handball, racquet ball, ping pong and was not a cheerful loser.  He was totally a people person.

Cremation is planned with a private service.  Memorial contributions to The Shriners Hospital for Children can be sent in the care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.