George Edward Blake, 88, of Shreve, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on August 20, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born in Wooster, Ohio on December 30, 1936 to Chester and Marie Blake.
Known widely by personal choice as “Mr. Ed,” he will best be remembered and loved as a wonderfully-giving individual, always looking for opportunities to help others. He volunteered his time to many organizations and events including Cystic Fibrosis, Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, and Project Hope.
For 20 years, Ed served as the Treasurer for Crop Walk. He set up drives for the Antique Festival, loaded trucks for Mountain Vision, and delivered bread to various churches. As an active member of the Zion & Salem Lutheran Churches, he served as a church usher. Ed also found time to serve 2 terms as a Shreve councilman and helped out the Democratic Party in Wooster on election days.
An enlistee into the US Army, Ed proudly served his country for 3 years and was stationed in Korea for 16 months. After returning home, he married Jane (Palmer) Blake on June 27, 1964 and had 2 children (Violet & Mark). He worked at Wooster Brass (6 yrs.) and then later at Addressograph Multigraph in Holmesville as a Quality Control Specialist for 24 years until the plant relocated. At that point, Ed found work at various schools as a custodian, while periodically helping Jack Henley out at the Henley Driving School until he retired.
Ed had a lifelong love for athletics, both as a player and as a participant. He prided himself as a devoted and die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, who thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to harass Cleveland Browns fans. Ed was a gifted conversationalist who possessed the ability to slip the Steelers into any unrelated discussion. He was equally devoted to the College of Wooster “Fighting Scots” basketball team, while regularly attending and enjoying local high school sporting events.
Ed was a naturally-gifted athlete; as a softball player he played left field for Pierces Sport Shop and for 2 years, he also coached a girls’ slow pitch softball team. He was a lifelong avid bowler who played in leagues and competed in tournaments. Later in his life he developed a love for walking and participated in 5k races at every opportunity.
Ed will always be remembered for his wonderfully keen sense of humor. He was a very proud family man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be extremely missed by all, but what feels like the end of something great is really the beginning of a life that’s even more fulfilling- Eternal life with the Lord.
Ed is survived by his wife Jane (Palmer) Blake, his children Violet (Blake) Nolletti of Wooster and Mark Blake of Las Vegas, Nevada. Preceding him in death are his parents, Chester and Marie Blake, and his granddaughter, Sarah Anne Nolletti.
In lieu of flowers the family would like it if you honored Ed by donating to Alzheimer Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster with Rev. David Rice officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at Congress Cemetery.
Friends will be received Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
My condolences to your family. Some of my cherished memories as a young person was dribbling a basketball in Mr. Blake‘s Driveway with one of my best friends, his son Mark. I was fortunate to be invited to some of those Wooster college basketball games. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and I think of you all frequently.
Corey
So saddened to read this. Ed was always so warm & friendly; he truly did not know a stranger. Well done, good & faithful servant! Jane & Don Mason
What sad news!! Ed was one of the nicest people we ever knew—always smiling and willing to spend some time being friendly and pleasant. His picture makes it easy to recall his very nice personality!
Euchre, bocce, family meals and gatherings. . .all of these Ed participated in with us. We will miss your friendly presence; we will not miss your bragging about your “Pittsburgh Steelers.” We love you Ed.
So sorry. It was always great to see Ed! He was always there to help. 1st class, quality guy. He definitely will be missed. Prayers for the Family.
I was sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I have many fond memories of being with him at Salem Lutheran Church on a Sunday morning,. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Ed Blake, the true definition of I have known Ed since our youth back in the Schellin Park days! We continued contact even after our move to Colorado in 1982! Sure will miss my long time friend, Mr. Ed Blake! God Bless you Sir!!! It was a true pleasure knowing you!
Violet, Jane and Mark, What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. I am truly sorry and saddened by the passing of your Dad, and will always treasure the memories and conversations I had with him and of course your family.
So sorry for your loss of such a wonderful and kind man. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Ed at Wooster Twp. Elementary. What a great example of faith, family, friends and fun. He will be greatly missed.
Terri Honza
Mr. Ed was my work colleague and my friend. He was kind and gentle- and he loved to laugh and tell stories. He always believed the best about everyone, and he never forgot when people had showed him kindness. He was a true gentleman to one and all.
My sympathy to Jane and the family! Such a good man and friend ! Love to all, The Bevingtons 💕🙏🏼
Mr.Ed was a welcome sight at the end of the day at Wooster Township School. He was as glad to be doing his job as we were to see him and have a chat. He surprised us by coming to the retired teacher lunch at the Greenleaf!
Mr. Ed was so loved by the students and teachers at Wooster Township. He always had a smile and a good word to share. I know he will be greatly missed.
I began my friendship with Ed when he attended First Presbyterian Church in Wooster. One main contact was when we met, unplanned, while biking on the Holmes County Trail. As mentioned in the obituary, he was a regular participant in walking 5k affairs. We both (close in age to one another) registered for the annual competition sponsored by the United Way. I tried staying with him, but his stride and pace, were far better than mine. My only way of finishing ahead of him was to jog downhill from time to time. No matter which of us finished ahead of the other, we were proud to be in the oldest male group. I valued our friendship, loved his smile and his welcoming way to all.
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