Blake, Robert S.

BLAKE, DIESING, ANDERSON

Posted By: C Tucker (email)
Date: 8/16/2014 at 05:59:23

Times Republican
Marshalltown, IA [12-28-1948] p. 15

ROBERT BLAKE ENDS OWN LIFE AT CITY HOME

Robert S. Blake, 87, 426 Swayze street, retired assistant fire chief, was found dead shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday in his home, according to Dr. D. Dale Harris, coroner. The coroner held Mr. Blake had taken his own life. Mr. Blake died of asphyxiation after he opened the burner on a gas stove. He died between 10 and 11 p.m. Monday, Dr. Harris said. He was found by a son, Ray Blake. Mr. Blake had been ill and recently underwent an operation. RETIRES IN 1934 In 1934 he retired from the fire department. In 1902 he started in the first paid fire department in the city. Before 1902 he was a volunteer fireman. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, April 28, 1861, he was the son of William and Catherine Blake. He came to Marshalltown when a young man and was married to Anna Diesing Sept. 11, 1885. She died Aug. 23, 1948. FIVE SONS SURVIVE Surviving are five sons, Ray and Kenneth, both of Marshalltown; R. S., Sioux Falls, S.D.; Harry of Peoria, Ill., and Charles in California; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was the last of his immediate family. A daughter, Mrs. P. A. Anderson died in 1943, and a son, Archie, died in infancy. Mr. Blake was a member of the Central Christian church and the Everyman's Bible class of that church. The body is at the Pursel funeral home where plans for services will be announced.