Ed was born April 8, 1946 in Amboy, IL the youngest son of Allison and Winona Blake. After graduating from Amboy High School, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. On June 25, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart Katherine "Kitten" Lilves. In 1973, he found his passion and began a distinguished 24-year career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Lee County Illinois Sheriff's Department. He retired in 1997 after having attained the rank of Captain. He also worked as the Director of Security at the Westward Ho Casino in Las Vegas. His hobbies included harness horse racing and later in life golf and
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Ed was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Karlene Koch, Sue McCormick; brother Larry Blake; and an infant brother.
He is survived by his loving wife Kathy; daughter Anisa (Robert) Behmer of Stillman Valley, IL; son Jeffery Blake; daughter Melissa (Dale) Simpson both of Henderson, NV; seven grandchildren Desiree Kierczynski, Tristen (Jessica Blake), Isiah Blake, Lucas Blake, Cameron (McKenzi Ketchum) Simpson, Shannon Simpson, Bristol Simpson; two step-grandchildren Alexis Ferguson and Morgan (Caylan Phillips) Ferguson; two great-grandchildren Andi Blake, Kellen Blake; and two step-great-grandchildren Jaxen and Jacey Phillips.
Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will take place at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Amboy, IL at a later date. Arrangements were completed by Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Blake family.
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