ISC Shannon P. Blake, USN, age 34, of Stafford, Virginia, formerly of Merrill, died unexpectedly on January 7, 2013. He was born on December 29, 1978 in Merrill to Stephen and Linda (Hojan) Blake.
Shannon was a 1997 graduate of Merrill Senior High School where he excelled in track and cross country. He attended UW Green Bay. After attending school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 2000. From 2000-2001, Shannon deployed to support maritime operations in both Fifth Fleet in the Middle East and Seventh Fleet in the Pacific. From 2003-2004 he was assigned to the USS PELELIU in support of Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom. In January 2005, Shannon was selected to join Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit Five to provide direct intelligence support to teams deployed in support of the Global War in Terrorism in both Iraq and the Philippines. In 2008, he began an assignment with the Navy Special Warfare Development Group. In 2010, Shannon was advanced to Chief Petty Officer. In April 2012, he reported to the Naval NCIS as the Lead Chief Petty Officer. Shannon’s decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with six gold stars, as well as numerous other service and campaign awards. Shannon enjoyed hunting, fishing, following the Green Bay Packers, riding 4-wheelers, golfing and most of all, spending time with his friends and family.
Survivors include his parents: Stephen & Linda Blake, Merrill; three brothers: Kevin (Chris) Blake, Merrill, Jason (Cindy) Blake, Madison and Darren (Jennifer Robinson) Blake, Merrill; one nephew: Kobe Blake, Merrill; two nieces: Casandra and Azalea Blake, Merrill; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 18, 2013 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. The Rev. Maurice Schaus will officiate. Visitation will be from 2-8 PM Thursday, January 17 at Waid Funeral Home and again from 10AM Friday until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given In Shannon’s name for a future memorial. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.