Dateline, Chicago and La Porte

 

John H. Blalock, husband, father, grandfather, veteran, friend, and proud son of the South, lived his life with curiosity and southern geniality. He passed away on February 25 at 83. 

 

Born in Columbiana, Alabama, a small town in the heart of Dixie, he was the son of Hoyt and Frances Blalock who encouraged his dreams. John credited his wonderful teachers for his impeccable table manners and the sharp debate skills that led him to a state championship. He became the national president of Circle K and as a high school senior traveled to Berlin when it was behind the iron curtain on a fact-finding mission for Radio Free Europe. 

 

John was a graduate of the University of Alabama, the beginning of a life-long, boisterous obsession with Alabama football.

 

John was a public relations executive for Sears for more than 30 years in Atlanta and Chicago where he met his wife Kathy. They were joyfully married for 30 years. John is survived by his wife Kathleen Gucfa, son William Kirk Blalock, of Alexandria, Virginia, his wife Kristen and grandchildren Madeline and Makin. 

 

He is affectionately remembered by family, many friends and legions of complete strangers with whom he traded recipes and childhood tales from growing up on the family farm. 

 

Private services will be held.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to, Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home , Essling Chapel of La Porte, Indiana.