William Blake

William “Bill” Blake, 63, of Ottawa, Kansas passed away October 25, 2023 at his home. He was
born February 2, 1960 in Ottawa, the son of Joseph “Joe” Blake, Sr. and Carolyn (Wenthe)
Blake.
Bill was a member of the Ottawa High School Cytones singing group, and was graduated with
the Class of 1978. He later attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.
Bill was an EMT with the Franklin County Ambulance Service and he later worked for Osage
County Ambulance Service. He worked at Davis Paint Store in Ottawa and eventually owned
and operated Helen & Bill’s Café for several years his after the death of his grandfather. Bill
then worked at Fashion, Inc. for over twenty years as a Sheet Metal Fabricator, retiring in May of
2022.
During his school years Bill was an active member of the Rambling Ranchers and Willing
Workers 4-H Clubs in Franklin County winning many regional and state awards, including the
4-H Key Award. He was also a 4-H Ambassador, representing Kansas 4-H at national events.
Bill enjoyed raising long horn cattle, gardening, playing the piano and singing at local Ottawa
Nursing Homes. He also enjoyed doing scrimshaw work as a hobby. Bill never knew a stranger
and enjoyed helping people.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph “Joe” Blake, Sr. and Carolyn Blake.
Surviving family includes his brother, Joe Blake, Jr. and his wife, Dottie of Garnett, KS; a sister,
Linda Price and her husband, Ed of Huntsville, Utah; three nieces; two nephews; and two great
nieces.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Franklin County 4-H Development Fund and sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home,
P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lambroberts.
com.

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