Obituary of Robert Blake

Robert Lee Blake Sr., passed away on September 10, 2012 in Lake Havasu City at the age of 90. Rockie, as he was known by his family and friends, was born on October 6, 1921 in Joliet, Illinois 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 United States Navy on August 25, 1942 serving as an aviation metal smith 2nd class until October 18, 1945. He then began additional training at the Naval Training School in Chicago, Illinois and then was transferred to Norfolk, Virginia 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 January 19, 1947, Rockie reenlisted in the Army Air Corps, transferring to the United States 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 October 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, CA, and then made Lake Havasu City his permanent home in 1990. Rockie is survived by his son Lee Blake and his wife Janice of Simi Valley, CA; daughters Nancy Westhave and her husband George of Lake Havasu City; Charlotte De La Haba of Bonita, CA; Charlene Rappaport and her husband Joe of Wills Point, TX and Bonnie Foster of Lake Havasu City; 7 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.