Arthur William Blake

Arthur William Blake, 70, of Fort Smith, died December 11, 2014. He was born December 20, 1943 in Fort Smith to Arthur Elmer and Thelma Marie Elser Blake. Arthur was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Arthur was a regular fixture at the Fort Smith Church League baseball fields where he took in thousands of games over the decades. It is disputed what Arthur liked most about the baseball fields. He certainly loved watching each game, but enjoyed the challenge of talking concession stand workers into free cokes and candy as well. It is undisputed he was an expert at both, as Thelma spent most summer nights trying to remove red icee stains from his shirts. Arthur loved Sunday’s at home watching the Dallas Cowboys and likely saw every western movie and TV-show ever made. His love of westerns led him to be a world-class collector of cowboy hats, pearl-snap shirts, and badges hand-made by one of his family members. While all of this gave Arthur great joy, it cannot match the joy he spread to his family and friends over his life. Being around Arthur for more than five minutes made everyone a better and happier person. He is survived by his mother Thelma Blake of Fort Smith; two sisters, Deborah and husband Don Montgomery of Alma, AR and Mary Ann and husband Mike Wilhelm of Fort Smith; two brothers, Thomas Blake of Fort Smith and David Blake of Greenwood, AR; along with eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Arthur Elmer Blake. Rosary will be said on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at 3:00 PM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel and Mass will be said on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM in Christ the King Catholic Church with burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Blake Montgomery, Michael Wilhelm, David Blake, John Blake, Matt Dunn, and Drew Sadler. Memorials may be made to the Special Olympics c/o Alesia Sexton 3305 Kibler Road Van Buren, AR 72956 or the Fort Smith church League Ball Fields P.O. Box 3999 Fort Smith, AR 72913 To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com