Albert Dean Blaylock, 89 of Granite City, Illinois passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023 at BJC Christian Hospital NE in St. Louis, Missouri.
Lovingly known as Al (the Coke man), he was born on December 1, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Timothy Earl and Stella Mae (Murray) Blaylock. Al worked over 35 years as a truck driver salesman for Coca Cola and retired at the age of 55. He was a member of House of Victory Church in Rosewood Heights, IL where he enjoyed attending and spending time with his pastor and friends. In his free time, Al enjoyed tinkering in his garage, talking cars with anyone, working on someone’s vehicle, or just going for a drive. He also loved spending time with his family, talking on the phone with friends near and far, and will be remembered for his love and acceptance of others, always ready to lend a helping hand. He lived by the saying, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”
Albert is survived by and will be missed by his children: Deanna (Brian) Chastain of Granite City, IL, Cynthia (Rodger) Doherty of Florissant, MO; son, Jonathan (Gina) Blaylock of Granite City, IL; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Jane Burgess of Okmulgee, OK and other close family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his loving wife; Betty Joann (McKeown) Blaylock, whom he married on December 13, 1956; grandson, Andrew Doherty; brothers, Earl T. Blaylock, Robert Blaylock; and sister, Gay Naslund.
In celebration of Albert’s life, a memorial gathering is being held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services at 12:30 p.m. with Pastor Tim Naylor officiating at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City. Memorial donations are suggested to the House of Victory Church in Rosewood Heights, IL.
