Bernard (Bernie) Wilson Blakeman, Jr. was born December 22, 1943, to Bernard Wilson Blakeman, Sr. and Mary Helen Robertson Blakeman in the Exie community of Green County, Kentucky.

He entered into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the age of 82.

He was united in marriage to Karen Leora Kessler on January 30, 1965, at Greasy Creek Baptist Church in Greensburg, Kentucky, after which they moved to Franklin, Kentucky, where he worked for Kentucky Department of Highways building I-65.

A graduate of Western Kentucky University, he taught math and physics for three years in Warren County Public Schools before pursuing a land surveying license and subsequently opening Blakeman’s Land Surveying Company, which he operated for more than 30 years. After he closed his business, he continued to work for DDS Engineering until recently. He served the Lord faithfully in his work and is remembered by many as a businessman of integrity and steadfastness.

He was called to serve as a music minister, choir director, and teacher throughout his life at Forest Park Baptist Church, as a charter member of Living Hope Baptist Church, Cross Life Church, and Glen Lily Baptist Church. He faithfully attended Rich Pond Baptist Church, and in recent years continued to serve in a teaching capacity at Cave Mill Baptist Church. He and Karen held Wednesday night service at Charter Senior Living of Bowling Green for 15 years.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karen Leora Kessler Blakeman; a son, Jason Blakeman (Beth); a daughter, Sarah Lagermann (Steve); and a son, Lee Blakeman (Amanda), all of Bowling Green. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Wilson Blakeman, Ashton Maines (Kyle), Jaren Blakeman, John Lagermann, Anne Blakeman, Peter Lagermann, Matthew Blakeman, Abigail Blakeman, and Anna Blakeman. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Barry Blakeman of Greensburg; and sisters-in-law Janet Overley of Lexington, Kentucky, and Connie Kessler of Greensburg, Kentucky, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bernie was buried by his family on Friday, September 25, at sunset in McKenney Cemetery in Thurlow, Kentucky, on the Kessler family farm, founded 1792. Visitation will be held Saturday, October 3, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Rich Pond Baptist Church. A funeral will take place on Sunday, October 4, at 2:00 pm, also at Rich Pond Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope House. (Link: Blakeman Memorial )