Bruce Boone Blake

Bruce Boone Blake was born March 19, 1928, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Staunton and Jessie Johnston Blake. He left us to be with the Lord on March 15, 2017 at the age of 88. Bruce graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City. He played tennis in college for Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant. Bruce met his future wife, Mary Lou Cruzan, while roller skating. She was an instructor and he pretended to be a beginner so he could meet pretty young Mary. They were married for 63 years before Mary passed in October 2016. They were blessed with two children, David and Kathy, and two grandchildren, Marianne and Kevin Guenther. Bruce worked in a variety of jobs related to the construction industry. For over 20 years Bruce owned his own construction management company. He built and renovated many churches and commercial buildings in Oklahoma, including expansion of this sanctuary. Bruce and Mary Lou shared life together. They were not just married, they were best friends. Bruce had such a zest for life and took Mary Lou along for the ride. They had OU football tickets for 26 years and enjoyed games in Norman and often traveled to one away game each year. He also enjoyed golf and fishing. In his 80s, Bruce could almost always shoot his age. Son David served in the navy, for which his parents were both proud. Daughter Kathy met her husband, Brian, while working at the same engineering firm. Bruce and Mary Lou made their home welcoming to all who entered. The evening Kathy and Brian got engaged they were so excited to go to see Bruce and Mary Lou where Brian could ask Bruce to let him marry Kathy. When they excitedly pulled into the driveway, Bruce rushed to the front door and told them to come in because the college football award show was on and OU's Casillas and Bosworth were up for awards. So they had to sit and watch OU football awards for over an hour before Brian could ask for Kathy's hand. When he answered, Bruce told Brian that yes he could marry Kathy and Brian could also start taking care of her oil burning car. Bruce was so enthusiastic for life. Everything he did was aimed at perfection. If it was worth doing, then it was doing his best. Mary Lou became afflicted with Alzheimer's around the year 2000. Bruce refocused and dedicated his whole life to care for his devoted wife. This man, who all through life had been wired as tight as a fiddle string, showed the patience of Job in caring for Mary Lou. He suffered two heart attacks while caring for her before he would agree to accept care from a long term care facility. He visited her twice each day for many years until he stopped driving in 2015. Bruce taught confirmation class at Christ Methodist for about 20 years, leading a whole generation of kids to Christ. Bruce wanted to bring the joy of Jesus to everyone. We grieve today for us, but not for Bruce. He was a man of strong faith. He is rejoicing in heaven with Jesus and Mary Lou, surrounded by peace and love. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and follower of the Lord. We loved him and miss him. Matthew 25:21 was written for Bruce. "Well done, good and faithful servant." In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to Christ United Methodist Church or to Good Shepherd Hospice. Services will be held 11AM, Monday, March 20, 2017 at Christ United Methodist Church. Moore's Rosewood 918-744-1202 www.moorefuneral.com

Bruce Boone Blake

March 19, 1928 - March 15, 2017