Dan Colby Blalock

Dan Colby Blalock, 72, of Toledo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2022, after a long illness. He was proudly born in Cullman, AL on June 27, 1949, to the late Andy Blalock Jr. and Virginia (Watson) Pittman. His family later moved to Toledo where he went on to meet his loving wife, Elaine (Long) Blalock, whom he married in 1974, raising their three wonderful children.

Dan graduated from Waite High School and furthered his education while playing football at Bowling Green State University and Hillsdale College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1969-1970 where he received two purple hearts and a bronze star for his valor in combat. Dan was a proud veteran, and it was a great honor for him to have served his country. After his release in 1971, he went on to work in the BP Refinery Laboratory beginning in 1973 and retiring in 2008.

While Dan was a lover of all sports, his greatest joy was undoubtedly football, especially the Alabama Crimson Tide. He loved westerns, history, music (especially the Beach Boys), pickup trucks and NASCAR. He enjoyed sharing stories about his childhood, the legend of Big Foot, or hauntings. Dan took pleasure in the simple things in life including spending time with friends and extended family, reading, or simply joking around with those he loved. He cherished big family meals, especially when it was good southern food accompanied by an iced tea. His favorite candy was hands-down Jolly Ranchers, or as he liked to call them, “Jolly Rogers”.

Above all, Dan was an honorable man with a colorful personality who was very proud of his Scottish heritage. He was strong, honest, and had a great sense of integrity. He was the protector of his family, a helping hand, and a role model to the generations who knew him. His wife Elaine was his best friend and greatest love. He was profoundly proud of his children and grandchildren, and they will miss him dearly. Dan was also close with his large extended family, enjoying all family functions.

Dan is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughters, Julie (Todd) Hansen, Lauren (Eric) Bochner; son, Kurt (Tiffany) Blalock; grandchildren, Josie and June Hansen, Dashel Bochner, Jasper, Vienne, and Flynn Blalock.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Monday, March 21, 2022, from 3:00-6:30 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave (west of Corey Rd.) concluded with a scripture service and sharing of memories at 6:30 p.m. Additional visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, followed by funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. The U.S. Army will offer military honors after Mass. Committal rites will be at 2:00 p.m. at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

Contributions in Dan’s memory are suggested to the American Red Cross or the American Kidney Foundation in Dan’s honor.