Walter H. Blake, 89, of Sterling, died June 23, 2011, in Sterling. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 27, at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Michelle D. Witherspoon and the Rev. Jim Blake officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens with military rites.

Mr. Blake was born Nov. 25, 1921, in Red Lion to Rueben P. and Harriet (Loughrey) Blake. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He worked through the years in the agricultural field as an equipment operator.

On Feb. 14, 1942, he married Hazel Britt in Sidney, Neb.

Mr. Blake was a member of First Presbyterian Church and VFW Post No. 3541.

He enjoyed fishing, reading and recycling.

He is survived by his son, Dale Blake and wife Mary of Sterling; daughters, Lynda Rowlett and husband Clinton of North Pole, Alaska, Londa Henderson and husband Gary of Sweeny, Texas; brother, Amzie Blake and wife Wilma of Julesburg; sister, Jane Olson of Haxtun; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Hazel in 2008; three brothers and three sisters.

Memorials may be made to the Walter Blake Memorial.