Laurence (Larry) Everette Blake Jr., born on April 18, 1938, in Junction City, Kansas, passed away at his home in St. George, Kansas, on April 20, 2026. He was 88 years old.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence Everette Blake Sr. and Carrie Ann Whitmore Blake.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Doris LaVonne (Zernickow) Blake, whom he married on February 22, 1959, in Junction City, Kansas. Married for 67 years, Larry and Doris built a family together. He is also survived by their daughter, Cheryl Blake, of Manhattan, KS; their sons, Mike Blake, of Nebraska City, NE, and Jim Blake (Amy), of Cedarburg, WI; and their grandchildren, Carra Blake, Lauren Blake, Alexa Blake, and Keaton Blake.
After graduating from Junction City High School in 1956, Larry attended Kansas State University (KSU), where he served in the ROTC and enjoyed playing xylophone in the marching band. The need to support a growing family put his education on hold for a few years. A proud accomplishment was returning to KSU, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in General Science in 1970.
Larry retired as Superintendent of the KSU Power Plant, having worked there for many years, where, along the way, he made lifelong friends. Prior to his career at the KSU Power Plant, Larry worked at a Manhattan-based mobile home factory and as a contract mail hauler based out of Manhattan, transporting bulk mail between post offices in north-central Kansas.
Larry was actively involved in his community and had many interests and hobbies. He served on the fire board for the St. George Volunteer Fire Department. He loved trains and was an avid model railroader with a deep appreciation for railroad and local history. He was involved with Boy Scout Troop 123 in St. George and served as scorekeeper for the St. George Trojans football team. In addition, he was a member of a bowling league at K-State and enjoyed fishing whenever the opportunity arose. Larry and Doris also traveled widely, taking the family on many road and camping trips. Later, they enjoyed trips to the casino and visited much of the United States on organized bus tours. Known as a jokester, he brought humor and joy to those around him.
A graveside service will be held at the Milford Cemetery in Milford, KS, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 12:45 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Geary County Historical Society and left in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.