Blake Edwards

Visitation for Martin Blake Edwards will be held at Riley Funeral Home Saturday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be at the Hamilton High School Chandler Craig Auditorium, Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m.

Blake was born to Randy and Kayla Ganong Edwards in Denton on March 28, 1982. He graduated Hamilton High School in 2000 and Tarleton State University in 2004 with a degree in Agricultural Services & Development where he was on the livestock judging team.

On Dec. 28, 2012, he married Katrina Gayle Spearman in Stephenville.

He taught high school agriculture for eight years before a 10-year career in agriculture equipment sales.

In 2022, wanting to be home with his family, he returned to the classroom at Zephyr.

He was a member of numerous organizations, judged livestock shows across the state, coached little league sports, hosted showmanship clinics and more. He took special interest and pride in his nephew Jaxon, who shares the same mental toughness and kind personality.

Blake had a passion for teaching and children that spilled beyond the classroom.

An avid agriculturist, Blake is remembered as a mentor in the show pig industry, taking time to explain and encourage kids in and out of the show ring. Many looked to him for guidance in raising livestock and in life something he gave freely. He connected with people all over the country because of his loyal, honest and generous spirit.

Blake’s influence will have a ripple effect for years to come. A claim to fame in his youth was playing quarterback for the Hamilton Bulldogs. He would remind people that “(he) was the quarterback” jokingly implying the position brought privileges.

One of his greatest accomplishments was raising a boar named Warfare that produced many winning show pigs.

Despite his accomplishments, his greatest pride was being a husband and father.

Blake was preceded in death by his father Randy; maternal grandfather Arthur Ganong; and paternal grandparents Martin and Ruby Edwards.

He is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Gayle; four children, Fischer Avery, Finn Elliott, Stevie Elizabeth Faye and a baby boy coming soon, Chandler Blake; his mother Kayla Edwards; brother Brandt and nephew Jaxon; grandmother Joyce Ganong; motherin- law Penny Spearman; fatherin- law Keith Spearman and wife Ray; brother-in-law Collin Korenek, wife Ann and niece Hollis; plus numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.