Loren Wilbur Blatchford, 86, passed from this life into the presence of Jesus on Monday, February 13, 2012. The eldest of eight children, he was born August 26, 1925 in Obert, Nebraska to Raymond and Imogene (Heikes) Blatchford. After graduating high school in Hartington, he was the proud recipient of a Regents Scholarship for the University of Nebraska, where he also made the football team. Thus began his lifelong loyalty to the Cornhuskers. College was cut short due to the draft and he entered the Navy in 1943, where he joined a PBM squadron as a radioman. One of his proudest moments was flying a mission over President Roosevelt. On June 8, 1946, he married the love of his life, Celeste Lucile Gabel, and they made their home in Oklahoma City. Loren worked for Be-Mac Transport for 37 years before retiring in 1985. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and master woodworker who loved to share his craft with family and friends. He cultivated deep friendships throughout his life, and was admired and respected by those he knew. A man of integrity and honesty, Loren was a true example for his family. He was a faithful Christian and a member of Mayridge Baptist Church. Loren was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Keith. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Celeste; daughters, Janice Walker and husband Pat of Kingston, OK, Joyce Thrower and husband Darrell of Oklahoma City, Lorna Hall and husband Wayne of Oklahoma City, and Denise Ruth and husband Jerry of Bethany; grandchildren, Mike (Ann)Walker, Jeff (Cathy) Walker, Christy (Jason) Goodger, Russell Bieger, Rachael (Dave) Kindred, Sara (Rick) Leonard, Amity Smith, Josh (Morrisa) Berkley, Diana Ruth and Matthew Ruth; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 6 siblings, and was especially close to Dean, Dewey and Ailene. Special thanks to Lackey Manor Nursing Home for their loving compassion and care toward Loren, as well as the 10th floor nurses at Integris SW, and doctors Nassar, Rizvi, and especially, Dr. Ravi Malpani. Viewing will be Thursday and Friday, 9am-9pm, with the family present on Friday from 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams. Services to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, February 18, 10:00am at Mayridge Baptist Church, 4617 S. May, OKC with interment following in Resthaven Cemetery.