Glen D. Blake, 82 passed away Saturday June 24, 2017. He was a man of humble beginnings, born to Jesse & Mildred Blake in Curtin, West Virginia. He was the second of six children [Hib (Betty), Glen, Dale (Brenda), Marcaleen (Bill) Seddens, Edgel (Betty), and Randy (Jackie)]. Growing up in Fenwick he was a hard worker and this continued throughout his life. He held many jobs as a boy, one of which was caring for the ponies used in the coal mines. He understood the importance of learning to do things for yourself and sharing what you gain and learn with others. As could be seen when he later used the money he made from his paper route and other odd jobs to not only buy small things, but to help his family.

Glen further learned about this duty to God and country, other people, and to self, becoming an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Richwood, High School in 1952. In 1953 he entered the Marine Corp, where he further learned "Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue." Following his time in Parris Island, SC and San Diego, Ca; he was sent to Korea, but on the way, the armistice was signed so he was sent on to Okinawa and then on to Japan. When he returned to the states he was stationed in Cherry Point, NC; rising to the rank of staff sergeant. During his time in the Marines he sharpened his selfless determination and a relentless dedication to excellence.

He married the great love of his life, Carolyn Vannoy, secretly on January 18, 1956 in Nitro, West Virginia. It sounds explosive and it really was -just like the fourth of July for sixty-one years. They were blessed to have two children, Kimberly (Bob) Kerr in 1957 and Daniel (Cherie) in 1960. In 1999, he became a grandfather to Eryn Glenne Blake, enjoying this role to the maximum.

Glen began work at PPG in Barberton, Ohio in 1957 where he worked until 1985. He held many positions. His favorite of which were his times working in the limestone mines. He and his family resided in Clinton, Ohio for 27 years. Relocating in 1985 to Hopkins, SC where he worked for Union Camp/International Paper as a Millwright, retiring in 1996. Glen and Carolyn returned to Clinton, Ohio in 2014.

Glen had many pleasures chief among these was a faithful dog, a solid truck, a campfire or grill to cook on; and a garage to work in. He had many skills and talents always enjoying the beauty in nature and anything that can be molded by a man’s hands, including building soap box derby cars with his son; fixing kid’s bikes, his own cars, anything broken, and stock cars. Glen had an artistic nature mastering calligraphy, photography and woodworking. Glen loved nature almost as much as his wife; and loved to hunt and fish. His ashes will be scattered in the beautiful Cranberry River, at a subsequent family service where he will return to the earth from which he came, humble, tenacious, and always faithful.

A heartfelt "Thank You" is extended to his in-home caregivers, "adopted daughter" Mary, Nancy, Nancy & Vickie and the staff of Crossroads Hospice, especially Jennifer and Nick, for the kind and compassionate care they gave Glen.

Friends may call on Thursday, June 29, 2017 for a "Celebration of Life" Service from 11 until Noon at the Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park 8005 Cleveland Massillon Road, Clinton, OH, OH 44216. A  luncheon will follow the service at Occasions Party Center, 6800 Manchester Rd. New Franklin, Ohio 44319.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Ohio Veterans' Memorial Park.

 Service Information