Joseph Roger Blake

Joseph Roger Blake was born in Pauls Valley, OK on June 5, 1943, the third child of Ragna Elizabeth and Roger Blake. Joe died from complications of pancreatic cancer on January 6, 2026.

At the young age of 13 Joe earned his Eagle Scout Award. He enjoyed his scouting experiences highlighted by attending the 1956 Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Joe graduated from Pauls Valley High School in 1961 where he participated in football, basketball and track. He took great pride in being captain of the football team. In 1961, he ran on the mile relay team that set the school record at the state track meet. That record remains unbroken.

He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration. As a proud member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, Joe served in several leadership positions.

Upon graduation he received a commission in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and served in the Army Finance Corp. After being stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky for one year he shipped out to Chu Lai Vietnam in 1967. While in Chu Lai he worked as the Disbursing Officer for the American Division. Joe spent one year in Vietnam and in 1968 his military service terminated with commendations including the National Service Defense Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal and Bronze Star. One of his proudest contributions was his military service in a combat zone for his country.

On August 31, 1968, he married Stacey Shannon. They shared the joy of their children Jeff and Shannon. The family had many enjoyable experiences with friends, vacations, sports, and church activities until Stacey’s untimely death in 1990.

Joe went to work in 1969 for Oklahoma City Federal Savings and Loan Association. During his 14-year tenure with the S&L he held many roles including Senior Vice President, Chief Loan Officer and Corporate Secretary.

In 1986 he became a factory distributor for the state of Oklahoma for Taylor Company, the largest manufacturer of frozen dessert equipment in the world. Joe enjoyed many years in the Taylor family and had fun getting to know distributors in other states and countries. In 2014 he sold his business and retired.

Joe married Sally Amspacher Royse in 2014. They met in 1963 when they both attended the University of Oklahoma. Sally and Joe loved to play golf and looked forward to summer vacations in Vail, Colorado. Together, they enjoyed a full life until her death in 2021.

Quail and pheasant hunting with his bird dogs, investing and Oklahoma University football were Joe’s great passions. He often said he chose OU because of Bud Wilkinson. After retirement Joe discovered the joy of playing golf. He reached a milestone when he was 81 and shot an 81. Joe was a committed Christian and his love for the Lord was reflected throughout his life.

Joe is proceeded in death by his parents and siblings Beverly, Pearce and Steve. He is survived by his children, their spouses and five grandchildren: Jeff Blake (Emily) and Shannon Blake Walker (Robert); Annie and Lucy Blake; JJ, Blake and Will Walker. Additionally, brother John Blake and his wife, Susanne, sister-in-law, Sandie Blake and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe’s family would like to thank Roxanne Robertson and her staff at Kate’s Angels for their care and compassion for Joe in his final weeks of life. These women are truly angels, and we will be forever grateful to them.

BOOOMER!

A celebration of Joe’s life will be at 10am on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Crossings Community Church: 14600 Portland Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Homeless Alliance: 1724 N.W. 4th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 or https://www.homelessalliance.org/donate

To view service: http://vimeo.com/event/5631439/be20084efe

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