Blyzes, Captain Orville Nelson “Jack”

Captain Orville Nelson “Jack” Blyzes

December 3, 1932 – July 7, 2023

Captain Orville Nelson “Jack” Blyzes (USMC, retired), 90, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 7, 2023. Jack was born on December 3, 1932, in New Madrid County, Missouri, the youngest of nine children, to William Alfred Blyzes and Dolly Evelyn (Kief) Blyzes.

Jack retired from the United States Marine Corps after 30 years of illustrious military service to his country. As a teenager Jack served in the Missouri National Guard. He then joined the United States Navy at age 17 and was honorably discharged after completing his enlistment. After the Navy Jack joined the Marines where he served until his retirement in 1980. While in the Marines Jack served at multiple duty stations across the country and around the world. He was called “Handsome Jack” by his military comrades. He served as a radio chief, drill instructor, communications officer, and military policeman, including as Provost Marshal. He served in the Korean, and Vietnam Wars, and was highly decorated for his wartime service, including his heroics during the notorious Battle of Khe Sanh in Vietnam in 1968. Over the course of his career Jack received the Good Conduct Medal with 9 awards, Navy Occupational Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 2 awards, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Stars, Purple Heart with 2 awards, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star with Combat “V”, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Device, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Certificate of Commendation, Rifle Expert Badge with 14 awards, Pistol Expert Badge with 18 awards, Sea Service Medal.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Alfred, Elmo, Paul, Thurman, and Arthur Blyzes; sisters: Christine Redfering and Rosalie Banks; three half-siblings; his wife: Mary Dumas Blyzes; four children: Marjorie Ann Blyzes, William Alfred Blyzes II, David Michael Blyzes, Mary Margaret Blyzes Farley; and one grandchild. He is survived by six daughters: Marie (Dale) Newsom, Muriel Lauland, Michelle Harris, Theresa McHale, Jackie (Jim) McDaniel, and Debra Faulkner; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; his brother: Bill Blyzes; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog: Alf.