Craig Dennis Blackey, 75, of De Soto died Aug. 26, 2026. Mr. Blackey graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969, then proudly served in the U.S. Army as an SP4 radio operator while stationed in Germany, narrowly missing deportation to Vietnam. Upon his return home, he attended Rankin Tech, earning his machinist degree. He was employed at Sunnen Products Co. for 22 years, where he made many lifelong friends. He enjoyed fishing with his son and friends, woodworking, painting and drawing, hanging out and going out to eat with close friends, singing, and most of all, playing tunes on his harmonica. He will be remembered as a man who loved deeply and showed his affection through his endless teasing and aggravating. Born Dec. 13, 1950, he was the son of the late Charles and Patsy Blackey.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years: Cathleen (Vaporean) Blackey; a son: Christopher Blackey; a daughter: Sara (William) Winkler; three grandchildren: Hannah, Zachary and Jacob Winkler; a sister: Beverly (Eugene) Sottung; two sisters-in-law: Renée (Donald) Wallen and Maureen Yowell; two brothers-in-law: George Vaporean and Donald Wallen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law: Anthony Vaporean.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. A luncheon will be held at the Lemay Pavilion in Sylvan Springs Park immediately following the ceremony.