Derald Robert Blake

BLAKE, Derald Robert Galesburg Derald, age 91, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2014 after a brief illness. He was born on March 6, 1923 in Galesburg to Robert J. and Carmen V. Trisket Blake in the farmhouse that the Blake family built and still owns today. Derald was married on June 22, 1947 to the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Tyler from Cooper, MI and enjoyed 43 years of marriage. He later shared 12 years with a cherished friend, "Lucy" Smith, of Galesburg. Derald owned a gas station in Galesburg, had a fuel truck route for a time, and was a farmer. For 20 years he was also a teamster, retiring from Precast/Schokbeton, Inc now Pre-Con/Schokbeton. He was an avid gardener and over the years donated hundreds of pounds of produce to Loaves and Fishes in Kalamazoo, MI. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren and their many accomplishments over the years. He loved watching college basketball, especially the Magic Johnson/Larry Bird years. Derald was preceded in death by his father and mother; his wife, Betty; companion, Lucy; and his sister, Barbara Henson. He is survived by his children Bob Ruth, Mary Stan Kozloski, Jim Sandy, and Todd Teresa, 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Galesburg Chapel, 145 W. Battle Creek Street, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of individual choice.