BLALOCK, Charles Joe (Charlie)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Sunday, January 13, 2013 Flagstaff lost a long time resident in Charles Joe Blalock "Charlie" on January 9, 2013. Born in Eagleton, Arkansas on April 7th, 1936, & moving to Flagstaff in 1951 with his parents & brother (Gary Don), enrolling in Flagstaff High. From 1951-53, Charlie was a key player for the Eagles, earning a championship in the fall of 1953. Charlie spent 4 proud years in the US Navy, professionally drove countless students & teams as a school bus driver, married the love of his life Evelyn (McElroy) in 1962 while attending Arizona State Teacher's College, graduating with an Accounting degree in 1965. After a short time in Accounting, his previous driving experience led him to Nava-Hopi Tours, followed by a long term career as an owner/ operator, semi dump truck driver, also known to local truckers as "Tacklebox". Charlie is survived by Evelyn "Evie" & their two sons, Jeffrey (Laurie) & Travis (RoseAnn). Charlie & Evie celebrated their 50 year wedding anniversary this past summer in June with numerous close friends & family, including Charlie's surviving brother Gary (Gail), nephew Brad, 4 grandchildren, Richard, Alexandra, Arianna & Tyler on hand to help. As an avid fisherman, all of his family & close friends spent countless days together with Charlie on Lake Powell from its early days in the late 60's until this past year. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Jane in 1977, & Joe Henry Blalock in 1983. A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 19, 2013 at 10am, at Norvel Owens Mortuary on Rt 66 in Flagstaff. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society of Northern Arizona in Charlie's name. Condolences, Memories and fishing stories can be shared with his family directly or online at www.norvelowensmortuary.com This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.