Truman “Toby” Clay Blakemore went to be with the Lord at the age of 83, on Monday, July 24, 2023, in Harrisburg, Missouri. He was born on February 15, 1940, to William “Wink” and Edith (Carey) Blakemore. 

He married Shirley Johnmeyer on October 14, 1960, in Columbia, and they were married for 47 years until her passing. They had two sons, Greg and Lance Blakemore.

He married Kathleen “Kate” Neal on August 24, 2019, in Harrisburg, Missouri. He lovingly accepted Kate’s children: Jennie (Michael P.) Thompson, Tami (Doug) Strodtman, and Brandi (Jack) Beagle, and grandchildren: Nick, Heidi, Mia, and Cason as part of his family.

Toby graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1958. He was class president and most proud of receiving the prestigious Citizenship Award his sophomore year. He was also a member of the first official baseball team at Harrisburg High School. He served in the Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer for eight years. Toby worked for a time at State Farm Insurance, but he enjoyed a lifetime career as an Agricultural Truck Driver. He began delivering lime and fertilizer at the age of 17. After some time working with the McBrides and Voorheis, Toby became an owner/operator and finished his career in 2010 after 53 years.

Toby loved the outdoors, particularly camping, hunting, fishing, and raising dogs for hunting quail and raccoons. He also enjoyed mushroom hunting and birdwatching. One of his favorite activities was butchering hogs and making sausage with the Johnmeyers. He also enjoyed playing cards -especially 4-point pitch, going to the casino, and playing Powerball. He was thankful for the monthly classmate luncheons, annual Christmas parties at Butch and Linda’s, and the Johnmeyer/Blakemore camping trips. In more recent years, he enjoyed beach trips to Florida with Kate, Ray and Judy, and Leroy and Janice, and hosting Wednesday morning coffee gatherings with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his late wife, Shirley; and two of his best friends: Ronnie Hombs and Raymond Lee Johnmeyer.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his wife, Kate of Harrisburg; two sons: Greg Blakemore and Lance (Cecilia), all of Columbia; siblings: Dale (Rinda) Blakemore of Harrisburg, Melvin (Marcia) Blakemore of Clark, Judy (Ray) Cochran of Harrisburg, and his younger brother, who he was given the honor of naming, Rick Blakemore of Columbia; grandchildren: Brett, Aaron, Logan, Sydney, Karley, and Mera; and great-grandchildren: Ezra and Khai. He was looking forward to welcoming Brett’s fiancé, Johannah, into the Blakemore family. Also, his best friend, Leroy Carlos, and his dog, Sandy, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and other loved ones and friends.

Toby wanted to thank his hospice nurses and caregivers, Debby, Judy, Logan, and Dina from Hometown Homecare in Fayette, for their exceptional care. He also wanted to thank everyone not mentioned who was a part of the good life he had.

Toby’s sons, Greg and Lance, would also like to thank Kate for her exceptional care of our father and the unconditional love she had for him. She was a blessing from God and made our dad’s last years of his life bearable and happy even with all of his physical ailments. Thank you, Kate, from the bottom of our hearts.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Harrisburg Christian Church. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 3, 2023, at the church. Interment of ashes will be held privately for the family immediately following the service at Harrisburg Cemetery. A bereavement luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash St., Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com