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Parker Burnham Blake, Jr.
Apr. 21, 1930 ~ Dec. 31, 2012
Parker was born and raised in Bellows Falls, VT, where most knew him as 'Burn'. He loved working at a newspaper through high school, delivering, selling ads and setting type. He attended Northwestern University one semester and regretted that he wasn't able to continue.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. During his enlistment, he served in the Air Police and Fire Control Maintenance of B52s, serving in Morocco, Lowry AFB, Loring AFB, Westover AFB, Bossier AFB and Castle AFB. Parker (or 'P.B.' as some began calling him) was extremely proud of being of service to his country, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1973. Also during that time he met and married Marilyn Moseley in 1954. They had three children and were divorced in 1978.
Shortly after retiring from the Air Force, P.B. went to work for Gallo Winery in Livingston. He then transferred to the Modesto location. It was there that he met Penny MacDonnell. They were married in 1981. He worked as Safety supervisor, among other positions, until retiring from the company, with more than 20 years of service, in 1997.
Parker was a member of the Masons and the Air Force Gunners' Association, of which he was an "honorary" gunner. A few years ago he invited several fire control friends and their spouses from across the country to come to Merced for a reunion. They enjoyed it so much, it has continued on in different states every year since. In November, 2011, he started a luncheon get-together for gunners, fire control and spouses in the nearby area so as not to lose touch. That's how much he loved the Air Force. He also belonged to a lunch group called the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out).
An avid camper, Parker enjoyed many weekends (and some longer trips) with family and friends. He was a very friendly man; he never met a stranger. He knew many people all across the country. Parker Burnham Blake was loved by many!!
Parker is survived by his wife of 31 years, Penny Blake; his children Robin Blake, Mark Blake and Tamara Doss; stepchildren Kristy Reeves and Ronald Arndt; grandchildren Ian Doss, Matthew Blake, Michael Blake, Adam Blake, Trevor Blake, Heather Wood and Pam Olsen; step-grandchildren Ashley Reeves, Logen Arndt and Ethan Arndt; and ten great-grandchildren.
Viewing will be at Allen Mortuary on Tues. January 8, 2013 from 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Funeral will also be at Allen Mortuary on Tuesday, January 8th at 1:00p.m. Burial will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 1:30p.m. Please share your memories at
www.allenmortuary.com.
www.cvobituaries.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Robert Percefull
January 19, 2013
We would like to send our deepest sympathy to your family.I was proud to have known and served with Parker
Dave& Marg Hoppaugh
January 13, 2013
Uncle Burn,
We miss your laugh and your smile.
Dianna and Clint Littlefield
Dianna Littlefield
January 7, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Burn's death. My husband and I met Burn and Marilyn when we arrived In Morocco for an Air Force assignment, and shared a home they had rented, until we could move on base. Our oldest son's middle name was Blake. Burn and my husband retired about the same time with the same rank. I have fond memories of our time together and will never forget those years. We were privileged to visit them in Atwater while we were stationed in California. Although we have not seen them in years, memories are always fresh in our minds, and we stay in touch via e-mail. Penny and Blake Family, please accept my condolences and heartfelt prayers during this time and after. What a joy to have known Burn. I love you all, Betty O'Neal
Betty O'Neal
January 7, 2013
Hi Penny
I am so very sorry to hear about Parker. He was a fine man and a terrific neighbor. We will all miss him dearly. Sadly, I am in Orlando this week and will miss the services, but I will be thinking about the both of you.
Condolences from from Dick, Joy, Adam and Aaron Andrews
January 6, 2013
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