Leonard Blake

Leonard Vincent Blake 85, of Bismarck, passed on to meet his loving wife in the city of angels in Gods hands on July 20, 2006 at his daughters home. His wife Opal preceded him in death on March 7, 1999. He was also preceded in death by his parents Harry L. Blake and Lida Linsely, and four brothers and two sisters. He was born November 24, 1920 in Peoria, IL. He lived in Peoria for most of his life. After marrying Opal in 1952 they resided in Peoria until 1992. They then moved to a small home in Bismarck to live with his daughter (Lydia and Gary Dishman) and her family. He served in the United States Army during WWII from 1939 to 1946. He was a member of American Legion Post 210 of Danville and the VFW of Peoria. He served in the Aleutian Islands as a longshoreman receiving a Bronze Star, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon and six Overseas Bars. He also attended Danville Area Community College (DACC). He acquired four credits there. He was also a member of Sycamore Bowling early Friday night mixed league. He retired from Greater Peoria Sanitary District in 1986. He also graduated from Diesel mechanic School and was a member of Illinois League of Municipal Employees and a member of AFSCME Union. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, and a valuable friend to many. He is survived by two children: a son William L. (Nancy) Blake of North Pekin, IL; and a daughter: Lydia M. (Gary) Dishman of Bismarck, IL; two stepchildren: Hettie M. Hoopingarner (Leon) Hutton of Mission, Texas and Ronnie L. (Eveah) Dishman of Toulon, IL; he is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 4 pm at his daughters home in Bismarck, IL. He will not be forgotten. He will be missed by many. Goodbye for now but not forever. We love you. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Danville is handling arrangements.