John Paul Blake's Obituary
John was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 5, 1943, to Paul and Fern Blake. He grew up on a farm in Lizton, Indiana where he learned the value of hard work and gained a love for the land around him.
John has always had a servant’s heart and a strong sense of Patriotism. After graduating high school, John joined the U.S. Airforce. He served as an air traffic controller during the Vietnam war.
After his service in the Airforce, John pursued a career in broadcasting where he managed television and radio stations for several years. Being an entrepreneur was second nature to John which led him to new adventures. Along the way, he met Janet Pate. They married in 1997 and together owned and operated Oreck vacuum stores. They lived in Temple, TX running their base store and eventually moved to Longview, TX where they would retire together and become members at Greggton United Methodist Church.
John’s hobbies included volunteer work, bird hunting, shooting sporting clays with the “Old Mavericks”, grilling, tree farming, and spending time outdoors at his farm. He enjoyed entertaining others as well. John had a special group of widows that he treated with ice cream from the Dairy Queen monthly. His rendition of “Happy Birthday” will be missed.
John was a strong-willed fighter and battled the effects of cancer for two years. He will always be remembered as a man with a larger-than-life personality, boisterous voice, love of God and country, and giving spirit.
He is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws John and Maxine Pate, sister-in-law Debbie Barthol. John leaves to cherish his wonderful memories: wife Janet Blake and fur-baby Beau, daughters: Nikki Brabbs, Jill Kerce and husband Mark; son, Brad Blake and fiancé Wendy: brother Phillip Blake: sister Judy Wisely: grandchildren MaKayla Grimmer, Andrew Johnson, Nicholas Brabbs, Kelsey Shaffer, Clay Kerce: great grandchildren Myla and Barrett, several nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made to:
Meal with Love
P.O. Box 1023
Longview, TX 75606
Or
Family Promise
P.O. Box 2732
Longview, TX 75606
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
