Gerald "Jerry" Blake

Gerald "Jerry" Blake, 95, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

He was born September 12, 1930 in St. Joseph to Earl and Pebble "Faye" (Still) Blake. Jerry grew up in St. Joseph, graduating from Benton High School in 1948.

At age 17, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean War.

After his military service, Jerry attended Gard Business School on the G.I. Bill. He worked at Gerber, Swift's and Goetz Brewery before becoming a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for 30 years before retirement.

On July 11, 1963, Jerry married Peggy Louise O'Banion, who immediately took on raising his five children. She was the mother they never had, filling their home with love, care, and security.

In high school, Jerry and his sister loved to participate in dance contests and later he liked to play the piano, though would play only by request. After most of the children had left home, he and Peggy loved to go camping. He also loved woodworking and helped build the couple's home in 1966.

Jerry was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather with an excellent sense of humor. His children also call him something else – even better – their hero.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Steven Scott Blake, Jr.; great-grandson, Jeren; sister, Betty Steeb; "brother from another mother" John Lacy; and beloved dogs, Nicky and Pepper.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Peggy; children, Steven Blake, Karen Blake, David Blake (Jean), Carleen Combs (Roger), Collette Blake, and Mark Blake (Jan); grandchildren, Shannon, Derrick, Travis, Tiffany, Savanna, Brooks, Heather, Conner, and Jovan; great-grandchildren, McKenzi, Preston, Rylee, Carnegie "CJ", Jaybree, Ryder, Memphis, Dayton, Christian, and William Scott; great-great-grandchildren, Alex, Gabriel, Will, Julie, and Robin; numerous cousins and other extended family and friends.

Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.