Donald James Blake, of Humble, Texas, entered into rest on July 25, 2019, just shy of his 80th birthday. He was surrounded by his loving family as he peacefully passed away. Don was born on August 5, 1939 in Lima, Ohio to parents Marion Scott Blake and Thelma Anna Mae Blake.
Don heard the call to duty right after graduating high school, and enlisted in the United States Navy to protect his country. Following his military service, he went on to pursue a career in the steel industry setting up and supervising the steel plants throughout the East Coast from Pittsburgh to Illinois to Texas. Throughout the years, he worked for Texas Electric Steel Casting Company in Houston, Texas, K.O. Steel in San Antonio, Texas, American International Manufacturing Company in Fort Worth, Texas, Alliance Casting in Alliance, Ohio, and Southwest Steel in Longview, Texas. Don was dedicated to his work and remained passionate about it even after he retired from his full-time position, and chose to continue helping as a consultant whenever he was available.
He enjoyed playing golf and, upon retiring, bought a home on the third tee of a golf course in Humble, Texas. Don joined his friends Bill, Larry, Bob, Henry, Bruce, and Lee to form the Senior Men’s Golf Association, and together they participated in tournaments throughout Texas and Louisiana. He was fond of all sports – football, baseball, basketball, tennis – and was a devoted fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Team. Don had a great fondness for animals that came second only to the love he had for his “Jo Annie.” She was his princess, and he was her hero.
Don is survived by Jo Ann Blake, his loving wife of 32 years; his children, Tammy Sheneman and husband Ray, Craig Blake, Pamela Blake, Donald Blake Jr., Teri Nelson, Brenda Sternthal and husband Rich, Renee’ Sanders and husband Gene; 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; sisters Judy Flinn and Jean Shaffer. He is preceded in death by his father Marion Scott Blake, step mother Lucille Blake, mother Thelma Anna Mae Blake, and brother Doug Blake.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Don’s honor on Friday, August 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. inside the Chapel of American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
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