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Donald Blake Obituary
Donald C. Blake, age 90, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday, November 4, 2013 at home. Donald was born December 4, 1922 in Chicago, IL, the son of Earl F. and Louise A. (Zehme) Blake. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a charter and life-member of VFW Celery City Post #6248 of Decatur and was a former member of the Masonic Temple of Paw Paw. He was employed by Checker Motors Corp. in Kalamazoo for over 25 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne in 2001, his parents and a brother, Earl William Blake. Survivors include five sons, Steven (Diane) Blake of St. Peters, MO, Paul (Katherine) Blake of Paw Paw, David Blake of Paw Paw, James (Joyce) Blake of Holland, MI, Thomas (Carolyn) Blake of Gobles; ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a sister, Marilyn (Donald) VanderGeest of Marshall, MI. Cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 11 AM in Cuddeback Cemetery, Paw Paw Twp. with military rites conducted by VFW Celery City Post #6248 and American Legion Post #309, both of Decatur. Arrangements by Newell Funeral Home, Decatur. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Blake
Jack and Ellen Armstrong
November 9, 2013
Jack and I were very impressed with the gentleman, Don! We enjoyed Don and his wife when they came to my art open house up at WMU. We have retold the stories he related about his boys leaving home. . . and then coming back to roost. So fun! Jack enjoyed working through the years at Checker with Don.
Fred & Susan Coker
November 8, 2013
Dear Steven, Paul, David, James and Thomas,
Please know that your father and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
I have very fond memories of growing up with you guys and remember how loving and caring your father and mother were.
May God's peace be with him and may His peace comfort all of you.
Sincerely,
Fred and Susan Coker
November 8, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to you, Tom and your family, for the loss of your father. Cherish your fond memories of your Dad.
Frank and Anne Schroeder
November 7, 2013
During our childhood years growing up in Chicago and later visiting in Michigan the cousins shared many good times together.
Love, Cousin Dorothy Weber
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William Hauke
November 7, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. A true gentleman! Both Peggy and I had the pleasure of working with Don for over 20 years at Checker Motors. The first thing that Peggy mentioned as I started typing this was the fact that Don always had a smile on his face when greeting her in the mornings. As for me, Bill, boy, did Don and I have some great sports talks. He was so proud of his wife and five sons. We regret not being able to see more of Don after his retirement. The best to all of his family. Sincerely, Bill & Peggy Hauke
Sandy Sherburn-Jack
November 6, 2013
To all of the Blake boys, your father will be truly missed by many. He was an awesome man and loved by many. My prayers are with each of you. Just remember he is with your Mom now and God has him in his hands.
Louie and Adrienne Hicks
November 6, 2013
Thank you for letting us know of Don's passing. He was a fine man and we always enjoyed visiting him when we could.
Lenore Orozco
November 6, 2013
Paul & Katherine and family,
Having just heard about your father, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to you all. He was a self-sacrifcing man having been served in WWII and I am eternally grateful for his service to our country. Having recently lost my mother (August 16th), I can relate to what you're experiencing and want to offer my support. It has helped me to keep in touch with our classmates at our scheduled dinner meetings at Big T. I hope you'll come join us. We all care about eachother and it's comforting to keep in contact.
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Memorial Events
for Donald Blake
Funeral services provided by:
Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Newell Chapel - Decatur83313 M51, Decatur, MI 49045
People and places connected with Donald
Kalamazoo, MI
Kalamazoo Gazette
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