Martin Blake Edwards was born to Randy and Kayla Ganong Edwards in Denton, Texas on March 28, 1982. Blake graduated from Hamilton High School in 2000 where he lettered in 4 sports. He graduated from Tarleton State University in 2004 with a degree in Agricultural Services & Development where he also served on the TSU Livestock Judging Team. On December 28, 2012 he married the love of his life Katrina Gayle Spearman in Stephenville, TX. He taught high school agriculture for 8 years before beginning his 10 year career in agriculture equipment sales. In 2022, Blake wanted to be home more with his wife and children and returned to the classroom as the agricultural educator at Zephyr ISD. He was a member of numerous organizations, judged livestock shows across the state, coached local little league sports, hosted showmanship clinics and had a commitment to excellence in all he did. He took special interest and pride in his nephew Jaxon, who possesses the same mental toughness and kind personality as his uncle. Blake had a heart and passion for teaching and children that spilled beyond his time in the classroom. As an avid agriculturist, Blake is remembered as a mentor in the show pig industry, taking time to explain and encourage kids of all ages both in and out of the show ring. Many looked to Blake for guidance in raising livestock as well as in life experiences-something he gave freely. He banded connections with people all over the United States due to his loyal, honest and generous spirit. Blake's influence on others through teaching, stock shows, and how he lived his daily life will send out a ripple effect for years to come. A self-proclaimed claim to fame in his youth, was playing quarterback for the Hamilton Bulldogs. He would often remind people that "(he) was the quarterback" jokingly implying that the position garnered him more privileges. One of his greatest accomplishments in the stock show industry was raising a boar named Warfare that went on to produce many winning show pigs. Blake was a believer in Christ and leaned on his faith to get through hard times. He was a son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend but his greatest accomplishment and pride was being a husband and father.
Blake was preceded in death by his father Randy, maternal grandfather Arthur Ganong and paternal grandparents Martin and Ruby Edwards. He is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Gayle, four children Fischer Avery, Finn Elliott, Stevie Elizabeth Faye and a baby boy coming soon, Chandler Blake. Also, his mother Kayla Edwards, his brother Brandt and nephew Jaxon. As well as his grandmother Joyce Ganong, mother in law Penny Spearman, father in law Keith Spearman and wife Ray, brother in law Collin Korenek, wife Ann and niece Hollis. Plus numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
