William Dows Blake

William (“Billy”) Dows Blake, 83, died peacefully on Friday, April 29, 2016, at his home surrounded by his devoted family.

Billy was born on October 13, 1932, in Cedar Rapides, Iowa. In 1935, he and his family moved to Alexandria, Louisiana and then in 1946 to Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Billy attended Lake Charles High School and Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA.  After graduation from Episcopal High, he attended Louisiana State University. In June 1954, Billy married Katherine Bel Krause of Lake Charles.  He graduated from LSU in 1955 with a B.S. degree in Geology. Afterwards, Billy honored his country by serving in the United States Army in the Panama Canal Zone from 1956-1958.

After serving in the United States Army, the Blake’s returned to Lake Charles where Billy began working for numerous family enterprises. The natural path for Billy was in the forestry business, as his grandfather, Henry E. Hardtner, was known as the “Father of Reforestation” in the South. In 1961, Billy became Manager of the J.A. Bel Estate and Quatre Parish Company. Billy thus embarked on a lifelong love of the timber industry and was very involved in the LA Forestry Association, the State Forestry Commission, Southern Forest Council, and the Society of American Foresters.

In addition to his love of forestry, Billy was very active in the oil and gas industry, including his various roles as Chairman of the Board and President of Bel Oil Corporation, Urania Minerals, LLC, and The Lacassane Company, Inc. He also served for many years as President of Howell Industries, Inc.

Billy was a devoted Christian. He joined the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd when he and his family moved to Lake Charles in 1946 and remained an active member for 70 years. He served on the Vestry and was a licensed Chalice Minister for many years.  He has been on numerous Diocesan committees, including, the 1978 committee to Study Liturgy of the Church, the Standing Committee of Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, and the Parish Planning Council.  Billy was also a delegate to the Primary Convention of the Western Diocese, served as Chairman of the Permanent Memorials Committee, and on the Board of the Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School.  

After his family, Billy’s proudest accomplishment was the Chapel of the Holy Spirit on Big Lake Road in Old Settlement. Episcopal services at Big Lake had their beginnings on the porches of several homes in Old Settlement. When the porches became crowded and more room was needed, Billy and Kay decided to build a chapel on their property at Big Lake. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit was built in 1992, destroyed in Hurricane Rita in September 2005, and rebuilt in time for Easter Services on April 16, 2007. The Chapel has always held a special place in Billy’s heart and will remain as a testament to his dedication and service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Throughout his life, Billy was an active community leader serving in numerous capacities at many local and state organizations. In December 12, 2009, Billy received the Doctorate of Humane Letters degree, which is the highest honor that the university can bestow upon an individual. Billy has contributed time and resources to numerous McNeese State University activities, including being Chairman of the McNeese Foundation Fund Drive, President of the McNeese Foundation, and the McNeese Presidents Circle.  In addition to his many contributions to McNeese State University, he also served on the Louisiana State Board of Regents, which is the State’s coordinating body for public colleges, universities and trade schools.   Billy was involved with the  St. Patrick Board of Councilors, Lake Charles Chamber of Commerce, the Children’s Miracle Network, the USS Orleck, Adopt a Platoon, Ducks Unlimited, Public Affairs Research Counsel, Committee of 100 Economic Development, Louisiana Business and Industry (LABI), Louisiana Council for Fiscal Reform, Lake Charles Civic Symphony, Lake Charles Ballet Society, Art Associates of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Arts & Humanities Council, United Way, United Way “Alexis de Tocqueville Society”, Lake Charles Racquet Club, SWLA Council on Drug Abuse, Calcasieu Kiwanis Club, SAE, ACTS, Southwest 40, Community Foundation of SWLA, Southern Forest Heritage Museum, Pioneer Club, Pheasants Forever, and the  Louisiana Wildlife Federation.

Billy was one of the original founders and served on the Board of the Krewe of Contraband for many years. He was honored as King of the Krewe of Contraband for the 25th anniversary in 1988.  Billy was honored as the King of the Krewe of Mystique on its 20th anniversary in 1992 for his many civic and philanthropic activities.

Billy was the Managing Member of the Bridge Club of Lake Charles, LLC and was a Silver Life Master earning over 1,000 points in his lifetime. He and Kay were instrumental in the Lake Charles Duplicate Bridge Club. In addition to playing bridge, Billy was one of the founding members of the Montaigne Society.

There are so many people that the family would like to thank, including, but not limited to:  Janice Areno, Kelly Morrison, and the dedicated staff at the Bel Building; Linda de Russo, Cliff Williams, and Shirley Long for their devotion to the family; Dr. Mohammed Khan in the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Cancer Center,  the Hospice and Palliative Care Center, and the Ambulatory Treatment Center and their staffs; Dr. Gerry Hebert: and the doctors and staff at M.D. Anderson; and finally, heartfelt thanks for the spiritual friendships of Jack and Joan Myers.

Most of all, Billy loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Katherine Krause Blake and his three treasured daughters, Della Rose and husband William E. Rose (Lake Charles); Susan Blake and fiancé David Cheadle (Houston, TX); and Marie Grace and husband Leo Mark Grace, III  (Austin, TX).  “Paw Paw” leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren, Blake and Annabel Rose; Hardtner, Rudy, and Walter Klumpp; and Lindsay and Jaimie Grace.  Billy is also survived by two brothers, James Hardtner Blake, who lives in Fullerton, CA and Henry Ernest Blake, who lives in Alexandria, LA.  Billy is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Violet Hardtner Howell, father, James Dows Blake, and stepfather, Dr. Robert P. Howell.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Regional Cancer Center, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd (General Fund, Tend My Lambs or Chapel of the Holy Spirit, as desired), William D. Blake Community Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation of SW Louisiana, the McNeese Foundation; The Lake Charles Duplicate Bridge Club, or to a charity of your choice.

Pallbearers will be William E. Rose, David Cheadle, Mark Grace, Blake Rose, Hardtner, Rudy and Walter Klumpp, and Chad Thielen.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Barrow, Robert Boudreaux, Tom Clarke, David Drez, Bill Fuller, Richard Gerard, Art Hollins, John Scofield, Allen Singletary and Jimmy Taussig.

Visitation will be in Hardtner Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on Sunday, May 1, 2016, from 3:00 pm-6:00 pm. The funeral service will be on Monday, May 2, 2016, at 11:00 am at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.