Terrell A. Blake Sr.
Published on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 10:11 AM MST
Terrell Blake, 86, of Safford passed away Thanksgiving Day at home, surrounded by his family. Terrell lived in Safford all of his life and worked for the Safford Post Office for 32 years, where he now receives the honorary postmark “Return to Sender” with the admonition from his loving family to “Handle with Care.”
His parents and grandparents were pioneers of the Gila Valley. His great-grandfather served as mayor of Tombstone during the OK Corral days, while his grandmother waited tables at the Crystal Palace, before marrying and settling in the Gila Valley.
 Terrell A. Blake Sr. |
When his father died much too early in life, Terrell took on the responsibility of being a father to his two younger brothers, Var and Andy. Throughout his life, he continued to set an example of unconditional love by serving as a father to many other relatives and friends who were warmly welcomed into his home.
Besides being well known for his caring and generous nature, he was known for his robust sense of humor. During World War II, Terrell served in India, Burma and China with the Army Air Corps. He was active in the Elks and the American Legion. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Terrell is survived by his wife, Cora of Safford; brother Andy Jr. (Bonnie) of Phoenix; sons Terrell Jr. and Tom (Brenda) of Safford; daughters Ann Blake-Tracy of Des Moines, Iowa, Patty Laughter of Riverton, Utah, and Donna (Steve) Buckley of Tucson; 21 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Var.
Services were held Dec. 1 at the LDS Stake Center, followed by interment at the Safford Cemetery.
So we went to Arizona for my Grandpas funeral this pass week. Thanks to Nancy and Grandma williams for helping us!! It was fun seeing my family, some cousins I haven't seen in years. My poor grandma has Alzheimers so so kept forgeting that her husband died, we had to keep reminding her. She kept thinking she was in Utah and she missed the funeral so she would cry and then again we would have to remind her she was there at the funeral. But she is still convince she wasn't there. I was sad to see. but there were some funny parts. She loved Gabe and she would ask how old he was and we would tell her then about 10 mins later she would ask again. Over and over again. It got tiring being there. =) We were there from Monday to thursday. My Grandpa was was a good Grandpa, my grandma was alway so mean that we all loved my grandpa, he was nice. I will miss him!
4 comments:
I'm so sorry for your loss of your Grandpa. It was nice to be able to read about his life, because I didn't know anything about him.
That is so sad about your Grandma, that she had to keep being reminded that her husband died.
Sorry about your Grandfather. Cute Grandma. I bet that was tiring and sad reminding her about your husband. It's also so sweet it makes me laugh a little.
You were quick at posting, way to go. I'm sorry to hear about your Grandpa, and Grandma too! I bet it was hard trying to remind her of all that. That would be sad to not realize that her husband died. But probably just as hard if she actually remembered that he died.
I am sorry that your grandpa died! It was really good to hear about him! Its good to hear how nice he was to you! I am glad you got to be with all of your family again!
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