BLAKE, JOSEPH E. (AGE 64) OF WALDORF, MD

At his home on Thursday, March 15, 2012, Joseph Blake departed this life to enter into the heavenly kingdom. Joseph was born to the late Dorothy Ford and Levi Blake on January 25, 1948.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Ford, brother-in-law, George Craig, brothers, Raymond L. Blake, Jr. and John Eugene Blake and devoted nephew, Kevin Craig.

After graduation from Pomonkey High School, Indian Head, Maryland in 1966, Joe was drafted into the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam War. Joe retired from the Naval Ordnance Station (NSWC) located in Indian Head, Maryland in 1979.

He enjoyed watching old TV shows, specifically, Rifleman, Matlock, Walker Texas Ranger, Gunsmoke and The Heat of the Night. Joe loved to cook and bake for family and friends. It was his goal to feed the world. You could always find a warm meal at Joe's, especially on Sundays. He would get mad if you refused a plate. Often times dropping by to say hello would lead to Joe giving you his grocery list and saying, "I need to go to the store!"

Everyone knew him over the years as "Mr. Clean" because everything had to be perfect; his home, car and personal appearance.

He loved to dance and spend time with his nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for telling his unbelievable stories which were usually "untrue", but we would agree and laugh anyway.

Joseph leaves to mourn his passing his father, Levi Blake, daughter, Stacy Blake, sister, Delores Craig, brothers, Kenneth Ford and Melvin Blake, sisters-in-law; Theresa Gloria (Raymond, Jr.), Celestina (Kenneth) and Agnes (John Eugene), seven brothers and four sisters whom he met later in life; six nieces and six nephews, five aunts; Beatrice Washington, Agnes Chase, Mildred Munson, Inez Matthews and Ann (Roberta) Johnson, one uncle, Matthew Ford and numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

His viewing will be held on Thursday, March 22nd from 6pm to 9pm, prayers 8pm and on Friday, March 23rd, 10am until time of Service 11am in the Chapel of THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.