Obituary for Paul Blake
Paul David Blake “Pool” was born to Mildred and Spencer Blake on May 2, 1952. After fighting the good fight, he finished his race on July 14, 2023 at the age of 71. Paul moved to Canyon when he was in the 4th grade to help take care of “Gramps”. Paul was a proud member of the Canyon High School Class of 1970. He continued to support his Alma Mater and his classmates literally up until the night before he passed.
Paul is survived by Christy Stapleton Blake, his beautiful bride of almost 49 years and the 2nd best decision he ever made; Wendy Blake Frick, daughter (Max); Hannah Frick, granddaughter and ice cream buddy; Caleb Frick, grandson and hunting buddy; Richard Austin Blake, son and Paul’s pride and joy; Stephen, brother (Marla); Susan Blake Caldwell, sister; many nieces, nephews, and greats; Brunhilde and the Haddock family; Peggy Frick, his grandkids’ paternal grandma; Mark Stapleton, brother-in-law (Claudia); and a select few loyal friends who have become part of our family.
Paul was preceded in death by Konner Luke Blake and Kyle Logan Blake, infant sons; his parents and grandparents; Major General Raymond Earl Haddock, uncle and mentor; Douglas Frick, friend and grandkids’ paternal grandpa; Anita Brett Caldwell, niece; along with Lt Col William Robert Stapleton and Laurese Stewart, in-laws.
Paul attended college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville which allowed him to enjoy time with “Brother Steve”. He came home and briefly attended WTSU. Paul quickly realized that the Amarillo Fire Department would be a much better fit for how God had wired him. The man loved community service and ended up thriving in the private sector. On his days off, he was roped into helping with construction projects, and as they say, “the rest is history”. He greatly enjoyed the flexibility of being self-employed and he loved the people he met in the roofing and construction world. He and his team were not perfect, but his attitude was “do it right or don’t do it at all”.
Paul was a champion and a teacher to many. He loved Hope Choice and the Prolife movement. Paul enjoyed coaching Austin’s little league baseball teams for many years. He loved the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild and was also highly involved in the Walk to Emmaus Community. He made sure his grandkids and others could spend time at Hidden Falls Ranch. In the mid 90’s, he started having high school guys to his house for breakfast, fellowship, and a short Bible study. Many years later, he and Christy decided to continue this tradition by hosting a Young Adult Home Group and then a College Life Home Group. These groups were open to people from varied backgrounds and denominations, and they didn’t turn anyone who showed up away. For the past 14 months and after his kids and grandkids were grown, Paul greatly sacrificed and left a legacy among the students, staff, and families of Canyon ISD. His family intends to continue carrying his torch!
Paul was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting alone when he needed to get away, but he equally enjoyed the sport with his son, grandson, son-in-law, and a few carefully selected hunting buddies.
Paul was very hospitable and was excellent at grilling and cooking. Paul had one of the biggest hearts of anyone we know. He would drop what he was doing almost anytime we needed him.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven”. ALL are invited to his Celebration of Life. We’d love for you to come hear about our guy and come share funny stories. More importantly, we’d love for you to come hear about Jesus, how to be born again, and why we are mourning with hope. Services will be in the Hillside Christian Church West Campus Auditorium at 6100 S. Soncy on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. with Ross Renner officiating. Please wear bright colors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Paul Blake Legacy Scholarship at First United Bank, 801 23rd St, Canyon, TX 79015, or Samaritan’s Purse Ministries.
Paul is survived by Christy Stapleton Blake, his beautiful bride of almost 49 years and the 2nd best decision he ever made; Wendy Blake Frick, daughter (Max); Hannah Frick, granddaughter and ice cream buddy; Caleb Frick, grandson and hunting buddy; Richard Austin Blake, son and Paul’s pride and joy; Stephen, brother (Marla); Susan Blake Caldwell, sister; many nieces, nephews, and greats; Brunhilde and the Haddock family; Peggy Frick, his grandkids’ paternal grandma; Mark Stapleton, brother-in-law (Claudia); and a select few loyal friends who have become part of our family.
Paul was preceded in death by Konner Luke Blake and Kyle Logan Blake, infant sons; his parents and grandparents; Major General Raymond Earl Haddock, uncle and mentor; Douglas Frick, friend and grandkids’ paternal grandpa; Anita Brett Caldwell, niece; along with Lt Col William Robert Stapleton and Laurese Stewart, in-laws.
Paul attended college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville which allowed him to enjoy time with “Brother Steve”. He came home and briefly attended WTSU. Paul quickly realized that the Amarillo Fire Department would be a much better fit for how God had wired him. The man loved community service and ended up thriving in the private sector. On his days off, he was roped into helping with construction projects, and as they say, “the rest is history”. He greatly enjoyed the flexibility of being self-employed and he loved the people he met in the roofing and construction world. He and his team were not perfect, but his attitude was “do it right or don’t do it at all”.
Paul was a champion and a teacher to many. He loved Hope Choice and the Prolife movement. Paul enjoyed coaching Austin’s little league baseball teams for many years. He loved the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild and was also highly involved in the Walk to Emmaus Community. He made sure his grandkids and others could spend time at Hidden Falls Ranch. In the mid 90’s, he started having high school guys to his house for breakfast, fellowship, and a short Bible study. Many years later, he and Christy decided to continue this tradition by hosting a Young Adult Home Group and then a College Life Home Group. These groups were open to people from varied backgrounds and denominations, and they didn’t turn anyone who showed up away. For the past 14 months and after his kids and grandkids were grown, Paul greatly sacrificed and left a legacy among the students, staff, and families of Canyon ISD. His family intends to continue carrying his torch!
Paul was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting alone when he needed to get away, but he equally enjoyed the sport with his son, grandson, son-in-law, and a few carefully selected hunting buddies.
Paul was very hospitable and was excellent at grilling and cooking. Paul had one of the biggest hearts of anyone we know. He would drop what he was doing almost anytime we needed him.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven”. ALL are invited to his Celebration of Life. We’d love for you to come hear about our guy and come share funny stories. More importantly, we’d love for you to come hear about Jesus, how to be born again, and why we are mourning with hope. Services will be in the Hillside Christian Church West Campus Auditorium at 6100 S. Soncy on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. with Ross Renner officiating. Please wear bright colors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Paul Blake Legacy Scholarship at First United Bank, 801 23rd St, Canyon, TX 79015, or Samaritan’s Purse Ministries.