Edward (Skip) Donald Blake

Edward Donald “Skip” Blake was born February 2, 1941, in a farmhouse North of Remington, Indiana to William and Edith (Sheldon) Blake. He attended several schools in Northern Indiana until he moved with his family to Missouri and graduated from Weaubleau High School in 1959. Skip served in the Navy from 1960 to 1964 aboard the USS Princeton. After returning to Missouri from California a few years later, he spent a decade working for the railroad in Kansas City.

In 1977, his journey took him back to Buffalo, Missouri, and later to Springfield, where he embarked on a long and successful career as a mechanic. By day, he was a skilled mechanic; by night, he took on the tough role of a bouncer at local bars. Eventually, he moved back to the Pomme de Terre Lake area, where he met Carolyn Davis.

Their connection led him to Topeka, Kansas, and in 1995, they married, sharing nearly 30 wonderful years together (just a few days shy). During these years they were able to live out their dream to be farmers with their beloved donkeys, horses, goats, and pigs. Skip had the most amazing garden that is still talked about today.

Skip also enjoyed his time at Council Grove Lake in Kansas and Pomme de Terre Lake in Missouri usually on a deck boat, with his catfish poles set or soaking in the moments with his family. There were also memorable trips to Spooner, Wisconsin.

Skip passed away peacefully at home on June 7th, 2025. He is survived by his wife Carolyn who made it possible for him to stay at home until the end. He is also survived by his children Gary and Denise Blake of Blue Springs, Missouri; Sherri and Bill Guinn of Carthage, Missouri; Doug and Maegan Blake of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; and Toni and Jason McGinnis of Bolivar, Missouri, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers Bob and “Doc”, his brother in law Ron, and his many nieces and nephews (a few that were very vital the past few months).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be given to Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.