Blake Wood
Blake William Wood, 26, of Lebanon, Ill., born Sept. 23, 1989, in Breese, Ill., died Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, in St. Clair County from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Blake was a 2008 graduate of Lebanon High School and received his bachelor's degree in business administration from McKendree University in 2014. He was recently employed as an International Logistics Coordinator with Trane Company in St. Louis and was a member of St. Joseph's parish in Lebanon. He was a drone volunteer search and rescue pilot and an avid gun enthusiast. Blake played baseball for Maryville University and continued to be passionate about sports. In 2008 Blake was honored with the St. Clair County Athlete of the Year Award as a four-sport athlete. He played Clinton County baseball and pitched a perfect American Legion game and a no hitter back to back during the 2008 Trenton Legion season.
Blake's kind personality and infectious smile made everyone feel welcome. He will be remembered as a great friend and beloved teammate to many.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William H. Wood and Maurice G. Rakers.
Surviving are his parents, Brent and Donna, nee Rakers, Wood, and a sister, Jenna (special friend, Paul Ritzheimer) all of Lebanon; his grandparents, Mary Lou Wood of Trenton and Lucille Rakers of Highland; aunts and uncles, Doug and Mikol Wood of Trenton, Diane Rakers (special friend, Peter Coppens) of Highland, Denise and William Foppe of Breese; cousins, Emily (Neil) Kohnen, Nick, Luke, and Katie Foppe, Sydney Housley (daughter Avery) and Myranda Reese.
Memorials may be made to the Lebanon Education Foundation, St. Joseph's Church or St. Paul's UCC Church.
Visitation: Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, and from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday Dec. 23, 2015, at St. Joseph's Church in Lebanon, Ill.
Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at St. Joseph's Church in Lebanon, Ill.
MEYER FUNERAL HOME, Lebanon, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I will forever remember Blake as a kind, considerate, and extremely respectful Young man. He was the kind of friend to Adam that I could only dream of. When I read of Blakes incredible baseball season in 2008, I felt so proud for his friends and family. While Blake was feeling the joy of many sports, Little did he know how much Joy he was sharing with others across southern Illinois. Thank you God for bringing Blake into our lives.
Steven King
Friend
December 15, 2020
I'm deeply saddened to hear about Blake passing I'm even more upset that I'm just hearing the news so I didn't get a chance to say my goodbyes. Blake was jus a couple years older than me and honestly one of the most genuine kind hearted people I've ever met. So to think that something like this could happen to someone like him is extremely eye opening. I've got you all in my prayers and I wish you the best in coping with this tragic event
Kevin Young
January 8, 2016
Words can't express the sadness I am feeling for all of you. Blake was taken way too soon, life just seems so unfair sometimes. I am so sorry for your loss, hugs and prayers to all of you.
Tracy Quitmeyer
December 24, 2015
Donna, Brent and Jenna - and all those so deeply impacted by this sudden loss. You are in our thoughts. Prayers to the family.
Scott and Linda Chapple
December 23, 2015
Brent, We are deeply saddened for the loss of your son Blake. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God comfort you all.
Nicki and Daniel Bishop
December 23, 2015
We are thinking of All of you at this sad time. May God help you through this difficult time. Phil and Mary Pearson
Mary Pearson
December 22, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the wood family. I met blake a few years ago from hanging around the softball team in which my younger brother kevin Schmidt played on. From the short time I got to hang around him I was able to see a amazing athlete who had a ton of talent and a heart of gold.
Chris Schmidt
December 22, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family for peace and healing.
juanita Best
December 22, 2015
Donna, Brent & Jenna
We are so sorry for your loss of Blake. You guys have been in our thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love to you during this difficult time.
Amanda Burns-Hawley & Devin Porter
December 22, 2015
Brent and Donna: I was shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of your son, Blake. Jenna, I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. Please accept my sincere condolences. I am proud and grateful for what Blake contributed as a Lebanon Greyhound athlete as well as a member of this community. May God, family, friends, love, and fond memories help get you all through this difficult transition time.
Craig Virgin
December 22, 2015
Brent and Donna, So sorry for this unimaginable loss to you both. God's blessings to you and your family, as you are in thoughts and prayers.
Scott and Paula Maloney
December 22, 2015
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tim , Lisa, Rachel, and Timothy Tincher
December 22, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. I am the department manager of the Trane St. Louis team that Bake worked with. I had only met Blake once this past September but he was a very nice young man. My prayers are with you and Blake's extended family.
With sympathy,
Don Skibba
Don Skibba
December 22, 2015
Brent, Donna and Jenna, You have our deepest sympathy at this very sad time. We are all blessed to live in a town that feels our joys and comforts us in time of sorrow. Blake will never be forgotten. We are here for you. God Bless You All
Bev and Ronnie Griesbaum
December 22, 2015
Brent, Donna I am so sorry to hear this news. It is obvious from the postings that Blake had a positive influence on so many people, and will be lovingly remembered. Brent I know from our conversations, how proud you are of Blake.
Bruce Reber
December 22, 2015
So sorry for your loss! I pray you are able to find comfort in your time off sorrow.
LaDonna Utley
December 22, 2015
So sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Praying that God will give you the strength to get through this very difficult time. Hugs to you and your family.
December 22, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Alicia Morland
December 22, 2015
Brent and Donna, So sorry for this sudden loss. I was always so proud following Blake's athletic and academic achievements. My deepest sympathies. Jay Pehle
December 22, 2015
Dear Brent and Family,
We were truly saddened to hear of your son's passing. I know how proud you were of Blake's accomplishments. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Blake.
God Bless, Denise & Joe Aiello
December 22, 2015
Mr. And Mrs Wood my condolences go out to you. You guys are the most kindest and most heartfelt people. Your son was truly a genuine and respectable young man. I have so many memories of him always being the best teammate. He will truly be missed .
Calvin Mandley
December 22, 2015
Brent, Donna and Jenna,
I am at a loss of words for the loss of Blake. I will always remember him as being such a kind young Man. I know that all of his Buddies will miss him greatly. You will always know that he was infectious with his personality and loved very much.
May God Bless You all,
Paula Jo Parsons
Paula Parsons
December 22, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Habermehl
December 22, 2015
Blake was a special young man in so many ways having a heart of gold with just a little bit of harmless ornery mixed in! God has a special angel now. May your wonderful memories Blake helped create and the love you all still share in your hearts help you all during this heartbreaking time.
Beth Harris
December 22, 2015
My heart goes out to Blake's family. I was part of Blake's training when he started at Trane. He was a nice, polite young man. Praying for all of you during this difficult time.
Linda Szydel
December 22, 2015
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Rip Nottmeyer
December 22, 2015
To the Wood Family: I was so saddened to learn of Blake's accident and death. This is a tragedy that I cannot grasp, and I do have the greatest sympathy for you. I did not know Blake, but in knowing his father and grandfather, I am sure he was a person of the highest caliber and of great character. The world lost a good person on that road. May you remember his love for you and somehow find constructive ways to carry on. Corby Loch
Corby Loch
December 22, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
DeKkota Pendegraft
December 22, 2015
so sorry for your loss sorry I can not be there but you are in my thoughts always
Rita Horstmann
December 22, 2015
Mr. and Mrs. Wood and Jenna,
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in your time grief. Words cant help heal the pain you feel right now but know that Blake is looking down and watching over your family. He will always and forever live in your hearts.
Jackie Dancy
December 21, 2015
Brent and Donna,
I can't even imagine your pain. Stay strong in your faith and know that God has a greater plan for Blake. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carroll (Woody) and Lisa Wood
December 21, 2015
My heart goes out to all of you. Praying for God to comfort you and hold you in his arms.
Carla Willyard
December 21, 2015
The candle light will never go out as long as Blake is in our hearts.
Blake Farrell
December 21, 2015
Brent and Donna,
So sorry for your loss. I realize that nothing I can say can lessen the pain, but I will pray for your strength.
David Damico
December 21, 2015
Brent and Donna,
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and Jenna also.
Claudia and Mike Giordano
December 21, 2015
Brent and Donna,
I was very saddened to hear of Blake's passing. I know how very proud you were of Blake. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob Hendershot
December 21, 2015
Constant thoughts and prayers to your family in this unimaginable time ~ May God wrap his arms around you each day.
Love, Bob & Stephanie Bunton & Family
December 21, 2015
God Bless you Brent, Donna and Jenna. Blake was a wonderful young man and a tremendous friend and role model for Adam. You and your family are in our prayers. Most Sincerely, Steve and Arlene King
Steve King
December 21, 2015
Donna
I am so sorry! Sorry; Condolences; My sympathies; None of them feel like strong enough words. Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Kay Schrage
December 21, 2015
Donna and Brent,
No words can express the pain from the loss of a child. Scott and I will be praying for you and your family that God will provide comfort.
April & Scott Rhoden
December 21, 2015
Brent,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. It is truly heartbreaking. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam Leonard
December 21, 2015
Words can not say how sorry we are for your loss.You and your family will be in our prayers.
Bill and Vicki Bohnenstiehl
December 21, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Wood family.
Tyann Gross
December 21, 2015
Your family is in our prayers during this heart shattering moment in your lives. May God Bless Your family with healing hearts.
The Cover Family
December 21, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find peace in the upcoming days.
Darren and Erica Bush
December 21, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you.
Phil and Mary Pearson
December 21, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. We are so sad to lose a member of the McKendree family. Jenna is a wonderful young woman and I pray that good memories and the love from so many will help you during this time.
Tami Eggleston
December 20, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Wood's family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Rose & Rich Rutherford
December 20, 2015
Donna and Brent, so sorry to hear of this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Mary Frances and Joe Daylor
December 20, 2015
So sorry to hear the sad news,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
John Dawson
December 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs and Love to all. Scott, Linda, Benjamin and Amanda Chapple
December 20, 2015
Brent:
Lisa and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Tim McSherry
December 20, 2015
Brent so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you and your family is going through. My prayers are with you all. I know your faith will support you.
Dwayne Kelly
December 20, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of this tragedy. Deepest sympathies from our family to yours.
Don Burgett
December 20, 2015
Deepest condolence to the family. Sorry for your loss.
Virginia Chomo
December 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss Brent and Donna. May you find peace and comfort with family and friends.
Paul Dontigney
December 20, 2015
Donna I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. I am thinking of you and praying for your family.
Christy Suemnicht
December 20, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Blake will be deeply missed, he was a fine young man. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and in our prayers. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you.
With deepest sympathy-
Bryan and Sue Gieseking
Bryan and Susan Gieseking
December 20, 2015
Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more