Joseph Joe A. Blake

Joseph A. “Joe” Blake, age 64, of Bloomington, died Wednesday morning at his residence. Born July 22, 1946 on Venton St. in Indianapolis, he was the son of Charles F. and Marie (Osborne) Blake. He moved to Bloomington at the age of 12 with his parents. He was currently employed at his favorite job, a bus driver for the City of Bloomington Transit. He had formerly worked for Bonded Oil, as a car salesman and service manager for several different auto dealerships and had owned his own business at one time. He played country-western music in the 1970’s and in 1981 gave his life to the Lord when he “started singing for Jesus”. Every Sunday morning for the last 15 years he had been singing and playing for the residents of Garden Villa. He was a member of the Dolan Ridge Community Church.

Joe is survived by his wife, Erma (Clark) Blake, whom he married in 1964, one son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Chawnn Blake, of Bloomington; one brother, Robert E. Blake, of Indianapolis and three grandchildren, Tyler J. Blake, Mitchell S. Blake and Briana Tomlinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Nancy Elkins and two brothers, Edward “Dick” Gaither and Charles D. Blake.

The funeral service will be held on 11:00 A.M. Saturday at Day Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Pat Knowles officiating. Burial will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Friends may visit the family at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Hospice of Bloomington Hospital.