Beloved El Paso Northeast Member Passes Away

EL PASO, TEX. – With heavy hearts and great sadness, the El Paso Northeast Seventh-day Adventist Church said goodbye to one of its members, Kenneth Blakely. Blakely passed away on Jan. 21, 2021, and the church hosted a small, in-person funeral service in February for close friends and family. 

Ken was a faithful family man. He grew up in a Christ-centered home and devoted his life to Christ at an early age. Ken faithfully served our country as a Combat Medic in Vietnam and is simply known as “Doc” to the many whose lives he saved. He was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart for actions that he rarely spoke of. Upon returning home, he utilized his skills as a radiologic technician through retirement with the Adventist Healthcare System. 

After retiring, Ken and his wife, Rosemary, moved to Las Cruces, N.M., and joined the El Paso Northeast Seventh-day Adventist Church family. An inseparable team, they both loved the Lord and dedicated themselves to the church. Ken served as deacon, elder and co-head elder most recently. When there was a need in the church, Ken willingly stepped up. He was handy and helped fix and paint things around the church. Ken also often led out in Friday night prayer groups while he and his wife were a part of the church’s Facebook ‘Reflect & Revive’ ministry with Eliab Quinones, associate pastor of El Paso Northeast church. 

“Ken had so many favorite Bible verses,” said Rosemary. “One of his favorites was Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

Ken’s love for God was evident in the way he lived his life. He is greatly missed. Revelation 21:4 gives us the beautiful promise that “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” What a glorious day it will be when we see Ken again and, together, we will live eternally with Jesus. 

By Lori Humble