Mason Gary Blake, 88, of Atco, New Jersey, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023, at his home.
Born on May 28, 1935, in Renick’s Valley, he was the eldest son of the late Mason Taylor and Georgia May Wolverton Blake.
Mason grew up on a farm in Renick’s Valley, along with his six sisters and two brothers. He graduated from Renick High School with the class of 1953. Following graduation, Mason enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He was a Mustang Officer and rose through the enlisted ranks to retire as a Captain with 20 years of service to his country. He was also a proud Vietnam Veteran.
In 1955, Mason married Gloria Mae Stowe in the Post Chapel at the Marine Corps Recruitment Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Mason and Gloria settled in Atco, New Jersey, where Mason worked for many years in HVAC, electrical and plumbing maintenance. Following his retirement from there, Mason became a member of the Delmar, New Jersey, and Atco, New Jersey Senior Citizens Clubs where he enjoyed learning many new line dances.
Gloria preceded Mason in death on August 7, 2006.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Deidre Denise; five sisters, Euva May Allen, Frances Lee Allen, Nora Blanche Wickline, Bessie Susan Copenhaver and Helen Ruth Lewis.
Those left behind to treasure his memory are his daughter, Robyn; granddaughter, Brittany; grandson, Shane; great-grandson, Tristan; and great-granddaughter, Amelia, all of New Jersey; sister, Mary Evangeline Wheeler, of Kentucky; brothers, Donald Vinton Blake, Sr., of Renick, and Lonnie Dair Blake, of Harrison, Delaware; 23 nieces and nephews; and a multitude of great-nieces and-nephews.
A military graveside service was held Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Morningside Cemetery in Renick, with his nephew, Don Blake, Jr., officiating.
A Remembrance of Life service will be held at a later date in Atco, New Jersey.
Constantino Funeral Services in Berlin, New Jersey, and Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg, are in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
