Gary Duane Blake

Gary Duane Blake was born on July, 7th 1952 in Buffalo, WY to James and Vera Blake. He followed one older sister Lynda, and an older brother Dave. Gary passed away on Sept. 8 in Casper, WY. When Gary attended school, he went to Jefferson Elementary, Dean Morgan and graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1970. Gary was often out riding his bike through Casper when he was supposed to be in school. He visited Woolworths, and North Casper. When he was in 6th grade, he threw a precious little 5th grader (Susan's) shoe up in a tree in Washington park. Little did they both know that it would be the start of a lifelong friendship. The mischief of the shoe and tree was only the beginning of shenanigans for Gary, his junior/high school years would start more lifelong friendships with Jerry, Pete, Wesley, Jimi and Kevin. Skipping school to attend keggers, visits to Alcova, and terrorizing North Casper, these guys were always together and causing problems. In April of 1971, Gary and Charliene welcomed Tracy to the world and then again in August of 1977, Michelle would join. Shortly after Gary and Charliene would divorce and Gary would marry Leila until her death in 2014.

Gary's work ethic was amazing; he worked for Ray Schellenberger Chevrolet for several years and would then retire in late 2007 from Drive Train Industries Casper store as their general manager. While at Drive Train Gary would gain many more lifelong friends, Marshall, Greg, Wayne, Sean, Fast Fred, Larry, Danny, Paul, John and Peggy, to just name a few.

Gary's passions were his license plate collection that was passed on to him by his Aunt Marian, he was so proud that he joined the local license plate club. Other huge passions were Buffalo, WY, the bighorns (family cabin/land), sheep, where in Gary's younger years he would spend summers in Buffalo with his aunt and Pete working sheep and playing in the mountains. Gary loved old cars, his first old car he got when Tracy was 2 and he still had it today, a 55 Chevy that has been totally restored. 50s and 60s music, horses, mules, border collies, and kitty cats were more of his loves.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents James and Vera, Aunt Marian, wife Leila, and favorite dog Ditto. He is survived by daughter's Tracy and Michelle, grandson Seth (Alex), granddaughter Brianna (Shadoe), great-grand kids, Lillian, Oliver, Greysen, and another little girl in Dec. Sister Lynda, brother Dave, nephews Mike (Jeff) and Robbie (Annie).

Gary will be missed by everyone so much. His daughters will make sure to continue his amazing strong and positive outlook on life, love and shenanigans.

To carry on one of Gary's passions please donate to Casper's Humane Society.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 20, 2025 at 11:05 AM at Newcomer Casper Chapel. A reception will follow the service at the Elks Lodge in Casper.

To share a memory of Gary or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guest book below.