Fred Blake

BLAKE Fred Lee, 74, loving husband of May Blake, passed away Fri, June 14, 2013 after a long illness at Lebanon Village in Lebanon, KY. Fred was given unconditional love; he was cared for with compassion, tenderness, grace and mercy. Under the leadership of administrator Dawn Blandford the staff attended him lovingly and vigilantly. Together with the staff of Hospice of Louisville, Amy and Debbie, they companioned him during his transition from this life to the next with peace, grace, and tranquility. Fred was a longtime member of Grapevine Christian Church in Harrodsburg, KY. Born in Owsley County, KY he was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Mable B. Blake, and his daughter Jamie Blake. He graduated from both Hanover H.S. in Hamilton, OH and Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond. After high school, Fred joined the Ohio State Patrol where he first started in law enforcement. He then moved to Lexington where he later retired as a Sergeant from the Lexington Police Department after 25 years of dedicated service. He was Detective of the Year; he was also nominated for Officer of the Year in 1988. He received many honors over the years especially in Criminal Investigation where he was a respected professional in the Forgeries and Fraud Unit for three years. He was also trained by the Secret Service in Washington as a hand writing analysis expert. Fred spent about twelve years in the Detective Bureau overall and served on the first local narcotics squad of the Lexington Police Department. He was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of the Police Lodge #4 where he also served as their president for two terms. During this time he was a crucial instigator for starting their Bingo Night which was used as a fundraiser for the F.O.P during his presidency. He was also a lifetime member of the Retired Firefighters, Police, and Widows organization and a lifetime member of the F.O.P. Lodge #34 in Winchester. Fred worked for the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau at Keeneland for fifteen years. After retirement, his joys in life were caring for his cattle on his farms and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife; five children, Lee Anna (Rodney) Becknell, a granddaughter raised as a daughter Natalie Blake, both of Lexington, Vickie (Jeff) Ebbing, Tari (Terry) Reams, both of Hamilton, OH, and Brenda Riley of California; many grandchildren, and great grandchildren; one brother, Jack (Rosemary) Blake of Lexington, SC; and two sisters, Janice (Bill) Bryan, and Madeline (Rod) Himrod. A funeral service will be held 4pm Thu at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home - Harrodsburg Rd. with Pastor Tommy Howard presiding. A visitation will be held Thu from 1pm until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lexington Alzheimer's Association, 465 E. High Street, Lexington, KY 40507 or the Fraternal Order of the Police, BG Lodge 4, 1097 Duval Street, Lexington, KY 40515.