Gary Blake

Gary Ray Blake, 78, of Litchfield Park died Sept. 23, 2014. Mr. Blake was born June 25, 1936, in Burley, Idaho, to Lloyd and Hazel Blake. He earned a degree in agricultural business from the University of Idaho in 1958. He retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel after a 21-year career as a fighter pilot. He flew the F-100 Super Sabre and the F-104 Starfighter. He was awarded many military decorations, including the Purple Heart for injuries after being shot down in the Vietnam War. He earned a master's degree in organization management from Ball State University while serving in the military. After his retirement, he was employed as the manager of the Air Force Goldwater Range and the airspace manager at Luke Air Force Base. He volunteered on Litchfield Park's boards and committees. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie; one son, Tim; two daughters, Angelika and Meagan; three sisters, Janice Strauss, Tami Johnston and Yvonne Burch; and one granddaughter.  A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 4 at The Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ.  Condolences can be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/guestbook.