BLAKE, SR., Robert Lee

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Friday, September 14, 2012 12:01 am | Updated: 8:21 pm, Thu Sep 13, 2012 - Robert Lee Blake Sr. passed away on Sept. 10, 2012 in Lake Havasu City at the age of 90. Rockie, as he was known by his family and friends, was born Oct. 6, 1921, in Joliet, Ill., to Henery “Ned” Blake and Isabelle Drew (Bennett) Blake. In 1923, the Blake family moved to the San Fernando Valley in California. Upon completing high school, Rockie enlisted in the U.S. Navy Aug. 25, 1942, serving as an aviation metal smith 2nd class until Oct. 18, 1945. He then began additional training at the Naval Training School in Chicago, Ill. and then was transferred to Norfolk, Va. Naval Air Station on the Advance Base Aviation Training Unit. He was then assigned to the Carrier Air Carrier Service Unit in Kaneohe Bay, Dahu, Hawaii. On Jan. 19, 1947, Rockie reenlisted in the Army Air Corps, transferring to the U.S. Air Force in 1953. Rockie retired as a Master Sergeant in 1964 and was on reserve status until 1981. He was very proud of his service to his country, both active and reserve. On Oct. 13, 1968, Rockie married his beloved Marta Josephine Catlin and they were blessed with 40 wonderful years until her passing on April 21, 2008. Rockie had worked as a truck driver/operator for 32 years for the Southern Pacific Railroad. Rockie retired in 1980 and resided in Arroyo Grande, Calif., and then made Lake Havasu City his permanent home in 1990. Rockie is survived by his son, Lee (Janice) Blake, of Simi Valley, Calif.; daughters, Nancy (George) Westhave, of Lake Havasu City; Charlotte De La Haba, of Bonita, Calif.; Charlene (Joe) Rappaport, of Wills Point, Texas, and Bonnie Foster, of Lake Havasu City; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. No services are scheduled. Donations may be made in Rockie’s name to Hospice of Havasu. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory
Posted by mhenderson on September 16, 2012

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