Jackson Man Found Dead In Garage

"Jackson Man Found Dead In Garage," Fairmont Sentinel (7 Dec 1961).

Jackson Man Found Dead In Garage

JACKSON -- A 65 -year-old Jackson man was found dead in his garage Tuesday evening, nearly 12 hours after his family thought he had left for work.

County Coroner W. B. Wells ruled the death accidental by carbon monoxide asphyxiation.

The body of Orville Blakey was found lying on the garage floor at 7:15 p. m. by Melvin Lentz and a neighbor, Jack Backer.

Blakey, who was employed by the Willett Gravel company of Jackson, usually left home about 7:30 every morning for work.

The family said he was in the habit of warming up his car in the garage. It is believed he was going to open the garage door when he collapsed.

When he didn't come home for dinner, the gravel company was called and it was discovered Blakey had not been working. Melvin Lentz was called by his mother, Mrs. Hazel Lentz, who works at the Blakey home. Lentz and Backer then found Blakey in the garage.

Mr. Blakey was born Oct. 25, 1896 in Des Moines township of Jackson county and lived all of his life in this area.

He farmed in Des Moines until moving to Jackson 15 years ago.

Mr. Blakey, who never married, has been living with his mother, Mrs. George (Lottie) Blakey at 202 North Highway.

Surviving are his mother; a brother, Verland Blakey of Windom; three nieces and two nephews.

Funeral services are tentatively set 2 p. m. Saturday at the Sathe funeral home of Jackson.