Blackie passed away in Bakersfield on November 14, 2015. He was born in Carnegie, Oklahoma on April 22, 1930. He came to California in the 1960s. Blackie was a self taught mechanic; he mastered the craft and could work on any type of vehicle. He worked for Gearhart International as a diesel mechanic and just loved what he did. He was an avid gardener and fisherman who spent a lifetime perfecting both. Blackie married Betty Ruth McLennan and they had three daughters, Jackie, Jodie, and Delona. He later married the love of his life, Lora "Fay" Key, and they were married until her death on October 28, 2015. Fay had four children, Wayne, Margaret, JR, and Darlene. Blackie and Fay lived a simple life on their own terms and passed away within weeks of each other. He is preceded in death by his father, Buster Key; his mother, Bonnie Melton; his step- father, Bud Melton; brother, Bruce Melton; sister, Wanda Fortenberry; and his wife, Fay Key. He is survived by brother, Cloyes; sister, Kat; his children, Jackie, Jodie, Delona, Wayne, Margaret, JR, and Darlene, and numerous grandchildren and gret- grandchildren. A graveside service will be held Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 10:00am at Shafter Memorial Park.