Glenn Blakemore is remembered as an exceptional teacher and inspirational person. Since he retired in 1984 from 35 years of teaching at Wichita West High School, a year hastn' gone by without him receiving phone calls or letters from students thinking him for influencing their lives and careers.
Mr. Blakemore died of a heart attack on Oct 30, 1997 at age 78. Two services were held. One in Oklahoma and one in Wichita.
The man described as quiet, modest and fair, came to West the first year it opened. Over the next four decades he taught English and Speech and started the debate program. He also taught speech to freshman at Wichita State University in 20 year of evening classes.
Survivors: wife, Helen; son, David; sisters Lorena Fraley, Dr. Robbie Blakemore and three grandchildren.
Memorial has been established with Grace Presbyterian Church and University of the Ozarks.
Philip Hengen
Mr. Blakemore taught by encouragement. I remember that he would patiently listen to the bumpy speech of a confused, self-conscious and forgetful teen-aged boy and find something to compliment. We learned from him that communication need not be perfect to be beneficial. Making an effort, in his class and later in real life was generously rewarded.
John Holder
Glenn Blakemore taught me speech at West High and at Wichita State University. Of all the classes and all the teachers I think he probably taught me more about the life ahead of me than I knew for many years. Only looking back can I see the impact on my career and character this man had. His expectations were always greater than my ability but he still encouraged me to stand up to difficult challenges. I owe him a lot.