Herman Lee Blakley  
March 20, 1935 - February 24, 2010

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Herman L. Blakley . . . March-20-1935 to February-24-2010 . . .

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of one of the true pioneers in water conditioning in Texas. Herman L. Blakley died on Wednesday, February 24th. .

He was born March 20, 1935 in Prague, Oklahoma to Beatrice Rich Blakley and Odis Blakley. He graduated from Cushing High School in Cushing, Oklahoma. Blakley served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed all over the Pacific during his years of duty. He married Francis Hildebrand on May 27, 1960 in Wichita Falls, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Francis Blakley; sons, Tony Blakley of Midland and Brent Blakley of Odessa; and his sister Wanda Selvey and husband Walter of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Herman began his 37 year career in the water business in 1967 after the neighborly act of helping to load salt at the fledgling Odessa Culligan dealership next to the oil supply company where he was employed.

He was instrumental in pioneering the now-common and world-wide field of Reverse Osmosis or RO water treatment technology. Blakley installed some of the very first of these systems in the nation, and on some of the most challenging water imaginable. His perseverance in monitoring and modifying these RO systems helped establish them as the premier technology for producing high quality drinking water from questionable sources, and helped lead Culligan and others into this now large arena.

Herman was one-of-a-kind and will be long remembered for his sharp sense of humor and his real enthusiasm for the water business . . . as well as his willingness to take anyone interested under his wing and teach them, in good West Texas fashion, the best way to build up a water business by truly relating to and keeping the customer happy. Herman’s smile was contagious and his approach to customer service sensational.

He was an inspiration to many in the industry throughout the state of Texas and beyond. Herman was very active with the Texas Water Quality Association and was named its Man of the Year in 1985. He served as its president in 1985-86. Blakley was also involved with the national Water Quality Association and served on its board of directors in the late 1980s.

Blakley also owned his own business, Water Tech inc., formed in 1991.

Locally he served on the Ector County Sheriff's Department Reserve force from 1979 to 1990.

Herman left a legacy to be proud of and will be missed by many.

Visitation with the family is scheduled from 2-4 PM Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Monday, March 1, 2010 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Matthew Levant, of Crossroads Fellowship Church officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Star Hospice, 620 N. Grant Ste 100, Odessa, Texas 79761 and/or the American Heart Association, 3205 W. Cuthbert Ste 5, Midland, Texas 79701.