Robert "Bob" Blake, 97, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born August 18, 1927, in Lafayette, Indiana, Bob was the son of Earl and D. Daphne (Goodale) Blake.

Bob graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1945. While still a student, he worked as a chemical assistant at the Ball Band Rubber Company, a position that reflected his early interest in science. Shortly after graduation he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. During his time in the Navy, Bob was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station, where he brought his musical talents to the Navy Band as a clarinetist. Recognized for his skill and dedication, he was selected to attend the prestigious U.S. Navy School of Music in Anacostia, Maryland.

Upon returning home, Bob enrolled at Indiana University with plans to study chemical engineering. However, he soon discovered his true calling in education. He changed his major and went on to earn both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education. His commitment to lifelong learning continued with the completion of an Administrator's License from Ball State University.

Bob began his educational career as a teacher in Winchester, Elkhart, and Muncie, Indiana, before joining the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. From 1968 to 1971, he served as principal of Madison Elementary School. In 1971, he served as principal of Mary Frank Elementary School until his retirement in 1991. Over the course of his 41-year career, Bob was a tireless advocate for students, teachers, and families and left a lasting impact on thousands of lives.

He was an avid fisherman, a hobby passed down to him by his grandmother during summers spent at Lake James near Angola, Indiana.  In addition to fishing, Bob enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball.

After retiring, Bob enjoyed wintering in Tropicana Park in Fort Myers, Florida, where he became part of a close-knit community. He delighted in saltwater fishing and took part in various park activities. He made many lasting friendships and treasured the time spent in the Florida sunshine.

After his first wife passed away, Bob married Eleanor Quantz in 2010 and continued spending winters in Florida and one year in Arizona. He took great pride in his family and found immense joy in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and flourish. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Claralu (Keever) Blake, and his brother John Blake.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor Blake; his daughters, Susan (Mark) Nye and Cheryl (Philip) Mercier; grandchildren, Amanda (Ryan) Bradford, Matthew (Rachel) Nye, Renee (Nathan) Day, and Michael (Leah) Mercier; and great-grandchildren, Lukas, Kaleb, and Klara Bradford, and Henry and Lyla Day.  He is also survived by Eleanor's daughter, Kimberly (Rich) Breske and son, Kevin (Jan) Quantz, 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Granger Missionary Church, 50841 Birch Rd, Granger, IN 46530. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 12:00 PM with a luncheon following. Burial will be private on Monday, June 9, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, or Granger Missionary Church, where Bob found spiritual community and comfort.

To share memories or leave a message for the family, please visit ChapelHillMemorial.com.