He graduated from Monticello High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Blake, a well-acclaimed commercial pilot, amassed over 30,000 hours of flight time. He began his flying career when he earned his private pilot license under the instruction of his father. He continued flight lessons and got his commercial pilot license. He flew as a crop duster for KP Flying Services in Watson, AR, and was featured on the front cover of Trade-A-Plane in February, 2001.
Blake flew for Kalitta Air in Detroit, MI, and then returned and had his own agriculture flying service in Dumas, AR. He has flown with M&M Flight Service in Beaumont, TX for the past 25 years spraying timber and fighting forest fires throughout the United States.
He was predeceased by an infant sister, Terry Gayle; his paternal grandparents, Archie and Tannie Haynes; and his maternal grandparents, Johnny and Ludella Taylor. Along with his mother and father, Blake is also survived by his daughter, Amanda and her future husband, John Bowers of Saginaw, TX; a grandson, Hudson Blake Bowers; a brother, Larry Haynes and wife Polly of Andover, KS; and three nephews, Joseph, Paul and Mark; great aunt, Pauline Owen of DesArc; aunt, Gloria and Sherman Moore of Little Rock; aunt, Wanda and Dan Lawdermilk of Stuttgart; uncle, Dennis Haynes and Kathy MacKay of Hazen; and cousins, Carol and Gil Plant, Sandy Haynes and Curtis, John, Tracy, Patti Sample.
Condolences(32)
Greg Rountree
Scott, AR Thursday, September 17, 2020 Thank you Amanda and Bill for your calls today. Donna and I are so saddened by Blake's passing, and also saddened we did not see this news earlier. Blake was like a Brother to me, and I will miss him greatly!Laverne Kelly Walls
Hazen, AR Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Prayers for you and your family.šā¤ļøDiane Engelkes
Texarkana, TX Friday, August 28, 2020 My love and prayers are with you for comfort and peace. Blake was a dear friend and classmate. I had just thought about him the Tuesday before the tragic accident while I was driving between McGehee and Arkansas City. I saw a crop duster and I told myself that I needed to call him to catch up. He was always smiling, laughing and fun to be around. He will be missed but Heaven gained an Angel that can already fly. Love and prayers. DianeKent McRae
Dunedin, FL Thursday, August 27, 2020 Saddened by the loss of an āole friend and classmate. Thoughts and prayers for the family.Mrs. Neal Glover and family
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, August 19, 2020 So sorry to hear about Davidās tragic death. Our sympathy and prayers go out to the family.Jason Murphy
Vicksburg, MS Friday, August 14, 2020 Blake was good friend . Going to miss himJohn Brasfield
Wichita, KS Friday, August 14, 2020 I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.Bill Rose
Fort Pierre, SD Friday, August 14, 2020 See you on the other side buddy, sure going to miss you. RIPPaul Pearson
Americus, GA Thursday, August 13, 2020 I always enjoyed seeing Blake when he would bring his aircraft into our shop in Americus for servicing. He was a real hoot and always had a smile. He will certainly be missed by many. Iām so sorry for your loss, your family are in our prayers.Sharon Parker Haynes
Springfield, MO Thursday, August 13, 2020 Condolences and sympathy goes out to the entire family it was great knowing Blake in school I was one of his classmates youāre going to be deeply missed by the entire class of 76Donna Clanton
Newton, KS Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Larry and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. God bless.Lee Ann Groce Tadel
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 12, 2020 I am so sorry to hear about Blake. He was a great classmate. Prayers for the family.James Daniell
Bastrop, LA Tuesday, August 11, 2020 Having worked with Blake in past years I am saddened by his passing, I hope his family finds peace and fond memories of a man that loved his profession and people.Tina Greenhalgh
Cedar City, UT Monday, August 10, 2020 Our hearts are filled with sorrow. Healing wishes for you and your family.Virginia
Camp Verde, AZ Friday, August 7, 2020 Blake was such a special person and exceptional pilot. As a Forest Service employee I have worked with him for years and was always excited when he came to a base I was at. His smile and thoughtfulness will be greatly missed. Hugs and prayers to all his family and many other friends.haley gooch
little york, IL Thursday, August 6, 2020 We are going to miss you , words can not explain our sorrow to have lost such an amazing friend. Love Claude and Haley GoochBrian & Cindy Wallick
Little Rock, AR Thursday, August 6, 2020 So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to your entire family.Barbara
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 5, 2020 I was shocked and saddened to hear about Blakeās tragic accident. He was a good friend. He was full oflife and loved flying. His laugh was truly infectious
and he will be missed by so many. Prayers and love
for his entire family!! šā¤ļø
Ward & Shelly Rabb
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Ward and I were saddened to hear of Blake's passing. Praying for God's comforting presence to be with all of his family and friends.Hal Heiden
Buckeye, AZ Tuesday, August 4, 2020 I flew with Blake on fires for several years. He was about as professional as you can get as an Airtanker pilot. Blake was always good to be around. We had a lot of good conversations about everyday life. Itās sad heās been taken to soon but Blake will be well taken care of. RIP my friend,Hal
Hal heiden
Buckeye, AZ Tuesday, August 4, 2020 I flew with Blake for several years on the fires. He was as professional as you can get as an air tanker pilot. Blake was a great guy to be around with and had a lot of good conversation with him about everyday life. Itās sad he was taken too soon but I know he will be well taken care. Your a good man Blake. RIPAndy,Rita & Cameron Mitchell
Hamshire, TX Tuesday, August 4, 2020 Godspeed my friend. You will be truly missed.Janet & Randy Lloyd
Conway, AR Tuesday, August 4, 2020 Bill, We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss! We will be praying for your family! Wilma also sends her love & prayers!Diana Abney
Sherwood, AR Monday, August 3, 2020 Larry and family,I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Blake. He was such a great guy with a wonderful spirit and infectious laugh. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Glen
Monticello, AR Monday, August 3, 2020 I am so so sorry to hear about Blake. no words can express my condolences for your loss.Praying for you all.
Glen Perkins JR
David Matheny
Siloam Springs, AR Monday, August 3, 2020 So shocked and saddened to hear about Blake's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this time of grieving.Dwayne Williams
Beaumont, TX Sunday, August 2, 2020 Blue skies and tail winds my friend!Marijo Pruett Miles
Springfield, MO Sunday, August 2, 2020 So saddened to hear about Blakeās death .I watched him grow from a teen into a fine ,kind and polite young man .He will be missed by many and remembered as a talented and great pilot. Again I am so very sorry for your loss.Andy Davis
Monticello, AR Sunday, August 2, 2020 Iām sorry for your loss. Blake lived to fly and was a great pilot and better person, he will be missed, but remembered forever. Love yāallMelinda Cooper
Monticello, AR Sunday, August 2, 2020 Blake was like a brother to me. I loved him very much. His infectious laughter and kindness will be missed. Please accept my condolences.Lisa Mitchell/Chris LeBlanc
Beaumont, TX Saturday, August 1, 2020 Blake has worked for our family company ,M&M Air Service for over 20 years. He was not only an employee but a good friend that I talked to almost every day. I am so heartbroken over this tragedy and miss my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all family members and friends.Kent Davis
, AR Saturday, August 1, 2020 Long time Friend, Iām sorry Prayers