Richard Lee Blake, 70, passed away May 23, 2024, at University of Kansas Health Systems – ER, Great Bend, Kan. He was born on Oct. 6, 1953, in Hays, Kan. to James and Ella “Lee” (Duke) Blake. On May 13, 1975, he married Joan Gardner in Townsend, Mass.; they later divorced.

A lifetime resident of Hoisington, Kan., Richard worked as a manager and cook at The Rack Billiard Café. Prior to that, he spent most of his life working in the oilfield. He enjoyed watching sports, including the Kansas City Chiefs, and spending time with his family, especially with his grandson.

Survivors include daughter, Cindy Blake of Great Bend; grandson, James Blake of Great Bend; three brothers, Bill Blake and wife, Pat, of San Diego, Calif., Mike Asbury of Winfield, Kan., and John Massey of Plymouth Falls, Ore.; numerous nieces and nephews; and ex-wife, Joan. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Blake, Jr.; sisters, Connie Vasquez and Pam Moore; and grandparents, Robert and Clemmie Bradley.

Visitation will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Dick Ogle presiding. Inurnment will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, June 3, 2024, at Hoisington City Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to the Richard Blake Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 30, 2024