OBITUARY
Donald Madison Blake
October 13, 1940 – February 15, 2021
It is with great sorrow the family of Donald Madison Blake announces his unexpected passing on Monday the 15th of February 2021 at the age of 80. Don was born on October 13, 1940, in Henderson, Kentucky to the late Monroe Lee Blake and Essie Erma Wilkerson along with nine siblings.
Don Spent 29 of his eighty years of life serving his country as a member of the U.S. Army. During his service he and his family were stationed across the United States as well as overseas locations. Don finished his career as the Operations Sergeant Major of 5th Special Forces Group stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his military career he served two combat tours of duty in South Vietnam.
Don is survived by his wife Linda Lee Blake and children Donald Keith Blake, Lisa Renee Mesa, Timothy Scott Blake, Shannon Denise Burchfield, Melissa Sasser Hart, Allen Dewayne Sasser; siblings, Richard Monroe Blake, Jerry Wayne Blake, Margie Louise Watson, Nadine Schwallier; 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday February 20, 2021 at one o’clock in the afternoon at the Lou White Memorial Chapel of White Funeral and Cremation Service, 3660 Express Dr., Shallotte.
Interment will follow at three o’clock in Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Dr. Wilmington, NC with Full Military Honors.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from twelve o’clock noon until one o’clock. You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com
Don loved animals and the family has requested in lieu of flowers memorials be directed to Paws Place, P.O. Box 67 Winnabow, NC 28479.
White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Donald Madison Blake
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJerome Munna
February 20, 2021
Don will be missed by many. Always offering ideas on home repair, walking his dogs and stopping to chat will be missed. My kids enjoyed seeing him and dogs walking and he would stop and speak to them. He was a proud veteran and I salute you Sir!
Praying for Linda and family .
Kyle Lane
February 20, 2021
Sincerely apologize for your family’s loss. Don was an awesome story teller, and the energy in the room always centered around his smile and his jokes! I’ll never forget these attributes. I appreciate all of the tips and tricks you taught me as a young man on how to be a better handyman, and I appreciate you opening your arms and letting me feel like a Blake. Oh, and thanks for giving me the grand tour of your RV...I’ll always remember you popping in the ‘Overboard’ VHS tape so I could catch some rest in your driveway before a family event :) With love. Kyle.
Jeff Jackson
February 18, 2021
We have known Don for about 2 years. He has been a great and loving neighbor. He will be missed by everyone’s life he touched. Prayers to his family and friends.
Tina Schwallier ONeal
February 17, 2021
To an awesome Uncle whom lived life to the fullest!!! With honor and courage you served your country and I will always appreciate and respect your unwavering service. Gone, but never forgotten. Fly high and I will see you again. You will be missed. I love you Uncle Donnie. Rest In Peace.
Your loving niece,
Tina Schwallier O’Neal
Denise Cox
February 16, 2021
Don was such a great neighbor. Marshall and I enjoyed him coming by with the dogs. We would chat and catch up while letting Bailey and Ellie play. We would talk about. I can’t imagine Gator Grant without him. Makes me so sad. Please know that you all in our thoughts and prayers. We are here if you need anything. Love, Marshall and Denise Cox
Pat Carterette-adams
February 16, 2021
Don is kind, industrious and funny. Jack and I send our deepest and heartily condolences to the family.