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Richard Blake Obituary
Funeral services for Richard E. Blake, Jr. will be held Thursday, October 4 at 10:00 AM at Crestview Baptist Church in Farmerville, Louisiana with Rev. Wayne Whiteside officiating. Mr. Blake passed away at age 88 on Sunday, September 30 after a brief illness.
Mr. Blake, a long-time resident of Shreveport, LA had lived in Farmerville, LA for the past eight years. He was born in Olla, Louisiana and after graduating from high school there he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in March 1943. Assigned to the 547th Night Fighter Squadron as a P-61 "Black Widow" Crew Chief, Blake participated in the Western Pacific Air Offensive in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Luzon campaigns. His decorations and citations include the American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal with 4 Bronze Stars and the Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 Bronze Star.
Maintaining his commitment to serving his country after WWII, Blake received a commission in the U.S. Army reserves where he became a pilot and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his decades of service, he amassed over 20,000 hours of flying time in both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft and was designated as a Master Army Aviator. He was also designated an Army flight instructor and an instrument pilot examiner. In addition to his military aviation experience, Blake owned and operated a flight school and aircraft dealership. His FAA ratings include Airline Transport, Multi-Engine, Flight Instructor-Airplane, Instrument and Helicopter, and an Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance rating. He was also an FAA designated pilot examiner.
Far greater commitments held by Mr. Blake were to his God and his family. He was a long-time Baptist deacon and devoted servant of God in his church and community.
He was a faithful husband to Marie who preceded him in death and was a loving father to his four sons who remain to carry on his legacy. The sons are Richard L. (Cleburne, TX), James R. (Marion, LA), Jerry W. (Graham, TX), and Bobby J. (Eugene, OR). Also remaining is a brother, Joe B. Blake, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Following the memorial service a military honors interment will take place at the Crestview cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Farmerville, LA.
Online condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com
Kilpatrick Funeral Home
Farmerville, LA
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Blake
Sheila Brown
October 3, 2012
Bobby,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lana Garrett & Earl Hebert
October 3, 2012
our thoughts and prayers are with you...long time Sunset Acres friends
Janet Schonfarber Williams
October 3, 2012
Bobby and family, while I am praying for your family in the great loss of your father, I am praising OUR Heavenly Father for the homecoming celebration being held in heaven. One day we will all be reunited soon.
Cheri Stansell
October 3, 2012
Bobby, praying for you and your family during this time of your father's homegoing...may God comfort you all and give you much peace...
Patty and Ransom Curtis
October 3, 2012
Bobby, Ransom and I send our sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your father.. May God bless you and comfort you in your time of need...
rick mcfarlin
October 3, 2012
i knew mr. blake only a short time but he was a good man ,i pray for the family to get through this ,i know he will be missed
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
October 3, 2012
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Richard E. Blake, Jr. our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Richard. And to Richard it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during WW-II and the Korean War while serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Richard, you are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Richard's family and loved ones.
Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
October 3, 2012
Bobby & Family-you are all in my prayers at this sad time.
Leah Parham Phillips, Broken Arrow, OK
Keith David
October 3, 2012
Bob and Family, may you all find peace and comfort knowing your love one is with Jesus. Your Dad was such an inspiration to me in my formative years in aviation. He was a good man and a great leader in aviation and he will be missed. Your family and you will be lifted up in prayer.
Jerry and Debbie Bufkin
October 3, 2012
Bobby and family,we send our sincerest condolences and prayers for all of the Blake family. May God bless and comfort you.
Johnny Hollier
October 3, 2012
To the Blake family, I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Chaplain Richard Reuer
October 3, 2012
I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one. (If you wish a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salute, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, mail to: Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry, 1206 6th St SW, Minot, ND 58701. (This is a free service to fallen veteran families.) Thank you.
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Kilpatrick Funeral Home - Farmerville202 N. Washington, Farmerville, LA 71241
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