Class of 1940
1940 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
Kenneth Blecha
– 19-year-old son of F. J. Blecha, route 1, Perry. He was born in Perry, September 14, 1920. He attended school in the country before coming to the Perry schools.
For the past four years he has gone out for track. He has been a member of the band for the past four years, was selected for membership to the National Honor Society this year and is a member of the local chapter of the Future Farmers of America.
In 1937-38 he was secretary of his class and the same year was secretary of his home room class. He was vice-president of the F.F.A. club in 1937-38 and has served as president of the club for the past two years.
Last year he received his Junior Master Farmers degree. His hobby is working in his woodworking shop.
Kenneth Richard Blecha
September 14, 1920 – April 13, 2003
Kenneth Richard Blecha, 82, Perry, OK, died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at Perry Green Valley Nursing Home.
Mr. Blecha was born September 14, 1920, northwest of Perry in Noble County, Oklahoma, the son of Frank J. and Mary Anna (Peshek) Blecha. He attended 4-D rural school in Noble County and Stillwater Public Schools and graduated from Perry High School in 1940. That same year, he was awarded the distinction as the National Junior Farmer of America.
In 1942, he enlisted in the U. S. Army where he served as a tank instructor with the 12th Division Tank Battalion at Camp Campbell, Kentucky at the rank of sergeant. During a visit to Camp Campbell, General George S. Patton praised him by saying “You sure can drive that tank, soldier boy.” While in the service, he was widely known for his farm-boy know how.
He received his honorable discharge and upon his separation from service, returned to Noble County where he farmed the family home place. He never married. He was very industrious and independent and will be fondly remembered by friends and family as a decent and fair man who was good for his word.
He served as a school board member for 4-D School in Noble County and was a member of the Perry Co-Op Board of Directors. In addition, he served on the Black Bear Township election board for 25 years. He was a long-time supporter of the Perry F.F.A. Program and constructed model farm implements from his own designs.
In addition, he made clocks, clock cabinets, and the parts within the clocks, themselves. He cared for his mother and sister, Adeline.
Survivors include one brother, Frank W. Blecha and his wife, Bernita, Enid, OK. He is also survived by nieces: Janice, M. Dunlay and husband, Dennis, Perkins, Oklahoma, Gayle B. Austin, Stillwater, Oklahoma, Patricia A. Wiley, Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Brenda S. Lieber and husband, Jim, Tulsa Oklahoma; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; sisters: Marie and Adeline Blecha; and one brother, Alfred Blecha.
Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2003, at Grace Hill Cemetery, Perry. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the donor’s choice.