Frederick C. Blythe

He was born March 2, 1924, in Williamsburg, Iowa, the son of Frederick R. and Bertha O. (von Schrader) Blythe. He married Betty Lee Jones in 1950 who preceded him in death in 2006.

Mr. Blythe graduated from Iowa State University. He served in the US Navy during World War II. He became a Registered Professional Engineer in 1951. He worked for Westinghouse Industrial Sales Division until joining E.R. Jones Construction in 1952 which was incorporated as Jones-Blythe Construction Company in 1955. He served as President of Central Illinois Builders in 1965 and on the Advisory Council for St. John’s Hospital from 1967 – 1990. He was a long time member and a former Trustee of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

He pursued his passion for golf with memberships in Illini Country Club of Springfield, Illinois where he served as President, The 200 Club of Marston Mills, Massachusetts where he served as Captain and song leader, Sara Bay Country Club in Sarasota, Florida and Bob O’ Link Golf Club in Highland Park, Illinois. He was also a long time member of the Sangamo Club and Kiwanis.

He is survived by his three sons, John F. (wife, Jane Denes), Charles N. and Robert E. (wife, Julie Wells) Blythe, all of Springfield; daughter, Dr. Bonnie Lee Blythe (husband, Douglas J. Dee) of Mission Hills, Kansas; and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, William (wife, Judith) Blythe of Williamsburg, Iowa and a sister Imagene (husband, Kenneth) Crebbin of Richmond, California. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Jane Barton whose husband Derek Barton survives in Mount Prospect, Illinois.

The family greatly appreciates the dedication and wonderful care provided over the last several years by Mary Barringer, the helpers from Aaron Nursing and Gary Morris and David Ray.

Visitation: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, Springfield, Illinois.

Memorial services: 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 31, 2011 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Illinois, Dr. Lonnie Lee officiating. Private graveside services will be held for the family at Oak Ridge Cemetery prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to: Iowa State University Foundation, 2505 University Boulevard, P.O. Box 2230, Ames, Iowa 50010-2230; St. John’s Hospital, Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter St, Springfield, Illinois 62781; or Westminster Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 533 S. Walnut St, Springfield, IL 62704.