Col. Douglas William Blalock, of Auburn, was born in Maryland on October 3, 1923, to the late William R. and Sylvia Blalock, and passed away at his home on June 2, 2012. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Florence O. Blalock and his daughter Susan K. Anderson. Col. Blalock is survived by his daughter, Inez Devlin-Kelly of California; sons, William O. (Cheryl) Blalock of South Carolina; Robert F. Blalock of Florida; John D. Blalock, Sr. of Auburn; son-in-law James H. Anderson of Montgomery, Alabama; grandchildren, Brian Blalock, Jesse Anderson, Rachael Blalock Thomas, Marjorie Anderson, John Blalock, Jr., Sara Blalock, Stephen Blalock, Anna Anderson, Danielle Devlin, Erin Devlin, Bridget Devlin; and 11 great grandchildren. Lt. Col. Blalock was the only son of Major William R. Blalock and Sylvia Blalock who were married in France after WWI . Doug was born and grew up in Fort Hoyle, Maryland and spent much of his youth in France, Sylvia's home country. Growing up in a military family, he learned to love and respect his country. It is because of that reverence he decided to enlist in WWII following a couple of years studying at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now known as Auburn University.) A 21 year old Doug Blalock flew as a turret gunner on a B24 Liberator until the end of the war. After serving his country in WWII, he returned to complete his degree at API and it is there that he met his wife, Flo. After graduation he spent a short time as a chicken farmer and school principal before returning to the Army and serving his country again in the Japan Occupation and then the Korean War. On August 10, 1950, Col. Blalock became a Prisoner of War. For two months he depended on his strength and sheer courage to survive. After escaping from a prison train, he hid in a cornfield until he heard the sound of an Army tank approaching. For 30 years Col. Blalock served with honor and dignity and was a true war hero receiving over a dozen medals, including the Silver Star for his extraordinary act of heroism. Col. Blalock retired from the Army and moved back to Auburn in 1971. After being the Housing Authority Director for over 20 years, he retired again. This time he decided to spend most of his time fishing, hunting and cheering for the Auburn Tigers. He was a long time member of Big Swamp Conservation Club and Village Conservation Club.