John R Blake (Buffalo)'s Obituary
John Richard Blake, son of Bill and Edith (Sheldon) Blake was born on April 6, 1944 in Rensselaer, Indiana. He departed this life suddenly on August 11, 2022 at the age of 78 years, four months, and five days in Joplin, Missouri of sudden cardiac arrest. John accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as an adult while attending a revival service.
John graduated from Skyline High school in 1962. Immediately following graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he served for six years, 1962-1968. He was married to Sharon Hope Gregory on February 7, 1966 and to this union two sons were born. John worked as parts manager at Davies Chevrolet in Buffalo, Missouri from 1977 until he retired in 2006.
John married Sandra Kay Bass Bradford on October 29, 1994. John and Sandi shared 28 years of marriage, but more than a lifetime of beautiful memories. Together they shared a passion for dogs, and this led to them starting the successful, long-time business, SanJon Kennel in 1998. John loved to travel, loved spending time with Sandi on beaches, cruise ships, and Casinos, and watching Kansas City Chiefs football. He was affectionately known as Papa John to his grandchildren and many others. John was always happy to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the swimming pool and he always had ice cream to share. John was a man with a kind heart. He was a great friend to many, and he was always willing to help his fellow man.
John was initiated on March 27, 1987 into Riddick Lodge #361 where he also served as Past Master. John was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Freemason of the Valley of Joplin Orient of Missouri. John was a Nobel of The Abou Ben Adhem Shrine, and he was a charter member as well as past Raja of the Dallas County Shrine Club.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Edith Blake; his brother, Billy Blake; and his granddaughter, Anna Desiree Bradford. He is survived by his wife, Sandi Blake of Louisburg, MO; his children, Wade Blake of Buffalo, MO, Jake Blake and wife Denee of Buffalo, MO, Gary Bradford and wife Sheila of Elkland, MO, Brian Bradford of Buffalo, MO, and Krista Bradford of Bolivar, MO; his grandchildren, Shayla Blake and Parker Blake, Kristin, Brianna, Cody, Ashley, Kari, Amber, Garret, Olivia, Sophia, Dylan, Krista, Kyle, Tyler, Christie, Skyla, and Natasha; his great-grandchildren, Jaycee, Alaina, Bryan, Stella, Jaxon, Annastasia, and Kase; his brothers, Bob Blake and Donna, Ed Blake and wife Carol, and Ralph Blake; his aunt, Kate DeWees; his mother-in-law, Carrie Claudine (Slack) Bass; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Brenda Banfield and and Lyndell, Randy Bass and wife Cheris, and Rex Bass. He also leaves several nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends who will all truly miss him. John is greatly loved and will be greatly missed until we meet again on God’s golden shores.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Pastor Gray Nordan officiating. Escorts will be Wade Blake, Jake Blake, Parker Blake, Gary Bradford, Brian Bradford, and Cody Fleetwood. Honorary escorts will be Bill Devilbiss, Larry Hicks, Ralph Sadderfield, Riddick Lodge #361, and the Dallas County Shrine Club. Interment will be in the Macedonia Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Masonic services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home.
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