Eddie Dean Blake

Graveside services for Eddie Dean Blake were held Monday, April 22 at 2 p.m. at the Bedford City Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday at Cummings Family Funeral Home. Arrangements were entrusted to Ritchie Funeral Home, Lenox.
Eddie Dean Blake was born July 2, 1949 in Bedford Iowa at the family home, to Isaac Milton Blake and Leona Mae (Larson) Blake. He was the sixth child out of seven kids.
Eddie grew up in Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa and attended school until around the ninth grade. Once he left school he started to work to make his way in life, he lived with and worked for the Cross family as a hired farm hand. He was moved to Taylor Ridge Estates in Lenox in the early 80’s and he was able to continue working and he joined the janitorial staff at Lenox PPI. He liked being able to work and pay his way in life, he wanted to be able to buy things he wanted or needed.
Eddie has always dreamed of being a cowboy, he loved to collect cowboy hats and belt buckles. Even during his younger schools days, he would always been seen wearing a western shirt and jeans. Many of his family remember that he was always up for a challenge, and at many family reunions he would always try to beat everyone at arm wrestling.
Eddie has spent a lot of his years in group homes or care facilities. He has lived in Corning, Lenox, Glenwood, Afton, Clarinda, Martelle, Ottumwa and most recently in Keokuk, Iowa. No matter where he lived, he always liked to keep busy, with crafts, such as beads or painting. He would like to keep his room clean and organized. He loved to joke around with others.
Preceding Eddie in death were his parents, Ike and Leona; four brothers Adrian, David (Sam), Delbert (who died in infancy) and Gilbert.
Left to cherish his memory are his brother, Donnie Blake of Corning, Iowa; younger sister, Judie (Kenny) Squires of Albia, Iowa; sister-in-law, Lois Blake of Gravity, Iowa, his many nephews and nieces and his many cousins; and his guardian Cheryl Walton.
We will forever hold Eddie’s memory in our hearts
May he be at peace in God’s loving care.