Paul BlakeOctober 20, 1926 – December 9, 2013We knew him as: A proud countryman and veteran of
WWII, a resident of North Baltimore, Ohio, a loyal and outspoken member of the Democratic party, an avid
Ohio State Buckeye fan, and a family man.He was known for his big smile and made an effort to invoke one in
others via "kidding," giving candy, using sarcasm, or whatever it took. He might even have seemed
harsh at times, but it was just his way of breaking the ice or exerting his influence. He was one of a
kind!He had many passions. Among them were hunting and fishing when he was younger, the Ohio State Buckeyes
whose colors he wore proudly, and "working the puzzle" at Grand Court. In 2011, he participated in
the Honor Flight Program to Washington, D.C.Having never flown before, he was thrilled to take his first
flight with his brother, Bob, and to have the chance to see the World War II Monument.Paul spent his working
years as a Truck Driver for Commercial and was a life member of the American Legion Post 539, having served
as Commander. He was also a member of the F.O.E. #2633 of North Baltimore where he had a ritual of having
Saturday morning coffee with his brothers and the locals, whose company he enjoyed, and likewise they,
his.He looked forward to the yearly family reunion with his extended family, the descendants of James and
Pearl Blake. A family of 13 brothers and sisters with a bond like no other.He was preceded in death by
brothers John, Earl, Woody, Carl, Bill and Tuffy and sisters Betty, Edith and Evelyn. Sister Ruth and
brothers, Bob and Frank carry on that legacy, along with the children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.Paul cherished his own family more than anything: His wife Nina, whose death in 2004
left a hole in his heart, and his children: sons Larry Joe and wife Deb, and Bob and wife Bonnie; and
daughters Nancy, Cheryl (who we dearly miss), and Cathy and husband Blair. He was proud of his grandchildren
including Nick and Matt, Chad and Erin, Morgan, Blake and Andrew. And fond of his great-grandchildren:
Kylan, Dylan, Blake, Colton and Greyson, whose presence and pictures brought him great joy.The family would
like to thank the staff (past and present) of Grand Court for their care and friendship and for letting him
"Rule his Roost." You and the residents were a huge part of his life the last few years and your
companionship meant so much! Also, those at the Dialysis center, and Dr. McEvoy for whom he had the greatest
regard. Thanks also to his many friends in North Baltimore who kept him going after the deaths of Nina and
Cheryl, whom he missed so dearly. Your emotional support was so important to his well being.Paul’s time on
this earth has come to an end and he will be greatly missed.We welcome your presence at his viewing today,
December 13th from 2-4 and 6-8 at the SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore. Funeral services will be
held tomorrow, Saturday, December 14th at 11 a.m. at the Smith-Crates Funeral Home, North Baltimore,
officiated by Reverend Susan Kronbach. Full military rites conducted by the North Baltimore American Legion
Post 539 will follow at the New Maplewood Cemetery, where he will then be buried next to his beloved Nina
and Cheryl, bringing them together once again.To
send flowers click here!