Justin Reed Blake

Justin Reed Blake, 39, of Lebanon, Indiana (formerly of Eighty Four, Pennsylvania) died in an automobile accident on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Justin is survived by his beloved partner, Selena Vela; parents, Phillip and Joyce Blake; brothers, Richmond Blake (Long Lam) and Austin Blake (Kayla Blake); grandmother, Elizabeth Trent; niece and nephew, Kennedi McWhorter and Oliver Blake; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Justin and Selena recently celebrated their five-year anniversary, and their relationship was built on a foundation of mutual support and care. Justin was devoted to and in awe of Selena, especially as she worked her way through nursing school, and Selena was committed to helping Justin pursue his dream of founding a construction company. They shared a love for children and hoped to start a family together.

Creative and imaginative, Justin entertained his family and friends through storytelling, humor, and pranks. He believed the world needed more laughter, and he doled out a healthy dose of it to those around him. Justin’s creativity also translated into professional success. A gifted carpenter, Justin could see the potential in a run-down space or broken furniture, and he delighted in transforming and restoring them for his clients and friends.

It is appropriate that his birthday coincided with March Madness because the annual tournament brought him joy. He was a dedicated University of Kentucky basketball fan, and he followed the team with enthusiasm. Justin was also an avid outdoorsman, who always felt free and at peace in nature.

Justin, meaning fair or just, was a fitting name because he lived his Christian faith humbly and with a firm commitment to empathy and love for others.

In lieu of sending flowers, the Blake family requests Justin’s friends celebrate his life as he would have wanted – by gathering around a table with loved ones for a steak dinner and sharing tall tales punctuated by laughter. For those who would like to make a tangible gift, the family asks for contributions to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (https://pda.pcusa.org/), committed to helping those devastated by violence and crisis to rebuild their lives and communities.