Robert "Bob" Edward Blake

Robert "Bob" Edward Blake, age 72, passed away on March 25, 2024. Bob was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to George Robert and Elizabeth Marie Blake on September 6, 1951. Bob grew up in Chews Landing, New Jersey. He was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Highland Regional High School in 1969 where he lettered in football, wrestling, and baseball.

 In 1971, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, Bob was assigned to the Sports and Fitness Center providing intramural sports and fitness activities to the assigned airmen and officers.

This position laid the foundation for Bob's professional career. At Little Rock AFB, Bob met his wife, Marsha, originally from Marion, Ohio. Bob and Marsha were married on July 6, 1974, at the Little Rock AFB chapel. In 1975, he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation.

 They moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1981. There, he worked with the Parks and Recreation Department and eventually obtained the position as the Assistant Stadium Complex Manager where he worked with the New York Yankees spring training, minor league baseball, professional soccer, concerts, and many other large events. In 1981, Bob and Marsha were blessed with a son, Robert Allan.

 In 1985, the family moved back to Arkansas for Bob's job relocation at Little Rock Air Force Base as the Assistant Recreation Superintendent. He supervised all the recreation facilities on the base which included a golf course, bowling center, recreation centers, and parks. He also hosted carnivals, circuses and supervised the concessions and entertainment at the annual air shows.

 In 1996, Bob joined the University of Arkansas Cooperation Extension Service as the Director of the Arkansas 4-H Center. He hosted adult conferences and youth camps. He also was involved in food services, lodging, facility maintenance, and new construction.

After 20 years, Bob retired to spend more time with his family. Bob volunteered at CARTI, a cancer treatment center. He also ushered for the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball, UALR basketball, and other local events.

 Bob had an engaging personality and loved to joke. In 2010, Bob was diagnosed with colon cancer. He survived three rounds of cancer during his first five years. Even with his decline in health, he still managed to make people smile and laugh, family, friends, and medical staff alike. After five years, he had two more rounds of cancer.

 He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Marie Blake in August 2021.

 Bob is survived by his father, George Robert, his wife Marsha, son, Robert Allan (Amy Parker), and his sister, Elizabeth Elwine.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107). A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 PM. Burial will be at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations/memorials may be sent to CARTI.