Donald Bligh

Donald P. Bligh, 86, died at 8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Rosewood Care Center in Alton.

He was born on April 16, 1928, and was the only child born to the late Preston "Bud" & Dora (Armstrong) Bligh.

Don graduated from Jersey Community High School, where he was a standout athlete, winning the 100 and 220 yard dashes three consecutive years in the Illinois Valley Conference.  He also went to state in the 220 his sophomore years and returned to state his senior year in the 100 and 220.  He finished fourth in state his senior year and also competed against Helen Stevens (the 100 yard champion in the Olympics) in two exhibition meets and won.  His talents were rewarded with a track scholarship to Truman State College.

He retired from Laclede Steel Company in 1982 after 34 years of service, and was a member of the Jerseyville Elks Lodge #954 and American Legion Post #492.  He served in the U.S. Army from Jan. 1949 through Jan. 1950, and participated in the Korean War from Sept. 1950 to July 1952.

Surviving are his two sons & a daughter in law, Ricky & Debby Bligh of Old Monroe, Mo., and Ronald Bligh, and his companion, Maria Beatty of East Alton; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and his companion of many years, Jane Bligh of Jerseyville.

In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place.

Memorial graveside services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m., Friday at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, with the Jerseyville American Legion Post #492 conducting military graveside rites.

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of the arrangements.