HENDERSON, Nevada — Edwin "Ed" Blake, 75, of Henderson, Nevada, (formerly of Amboy), died Sept. 8, 2021, after a brief illness.

Ed was born April 8, 1946 in Amboy, the youngest son of Allison and Winona Blake.  After graduating from Amboy High School he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. 

On June 25, 1966 he married his high school sweetheart Katherine "Kitten" Lilves.  In 1973 he found his passion and began a distinguished 24 year career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Lee County  Illinois Sheriff's Department. He retired in 1997 after having attained the rank of Captain. He also worked as the Director of Security at the Westward Ho Casino in Las Vegas.   His hobbies included harness horse racing and later in life golf and B-I-N-G-O.

Ed was proceeded in death by his parents; sisters, Karlene Koch, Sue McCormick; brother, Larry Blake; and an infant brother. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; and daughter, Anisa (Robert) Behmer, of Stillman Valley, son Jeffery Blake, and daughter Melissa (Dale) Simpson, both of Henderson, Nevada. Seven grandchildren, Desiree Kierczynski, Tristen (Jessica Blake), Isiah Blake, Lucas Blake, Cameron (McKenzi Ketchum) Simpson, Shannon Simpson, Bristol Simpson; and two step-grandchildren, Alexis Ferguson and Morgan (Caylan Phillips) Ferguson; two great-grandchildren, Andi Blake, Kellen Blake; and two step-great-grandchildren, Jaxen and Jacey Phillips.

Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will take place at St. Patrick's Cemetery, in Amboy, at a later date. 

Arrangements were completed by Palm Mortuary Las Vegas, Nevada.