Bill Blakeslee, age 73, of Nixa, MO, went home to be with the Lord on February 22, 2013, and reunited with his wife Betty. Bill was born to Clyde and Dorothy (Wilder) Blakeslee on October 1, 1939, in Springfield, MO. He and Betty were married May 26, 1962. Bill worked at Mid-America Dairymen, Inc for 33 years, retiring in 1998. Upon his retirement, he and Betty traveled extensively, including several mission trips to Guatemala and India. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty, infant son Scott, both parents, and a sister Dottye Slentz. He is survived by his daughter Julie; his son Mike and wife Karen; three grandchildren: Chanelle, Scott, and Isaac; and his brother Jim Blakeslee. Bill was a strong Christian man, and God and his family were first in his life. He and Betty believed in building a strong foundation for their family and invested in their children's and grandchildren's lives by supporting them in every endeavor they undertook. Family vacations were important to Bill. Beginning in 1986, he, Betty, his children, and grandchildren vacationed together every summer. The family has a unique and special bond. Bill was an example of a Godly man and touched thousands of lives through his ministry. He was an ordained pastor and served at several local churches, most recently at Hope Community Church. Bill visited hospital rooms, waiting rooms, nursing homes, and prayed with and stayed with those in need as well as their families and friends. He was always with people in their time of need, and years later they refer back to the impact God made on their lives through him. Bill and Betty's legacy is "You must be born again." Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, and the memorial service on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 1:00pm, both at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, MO. Burial will follow at Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a missions or visitation program at a local church in memory of Bill.