Blake O. Laramore

SERVICES: 10:00 AM Monday, Oct. 9, 2006, at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Johnny Funderburg, pastor, officiating.BURIAL: Fairview Cemetery with Masonic graveside rites courtesy of Pampa Masonic Lodge #966 and Top O' Texas Masonic Lodge #1381 . Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Laramore was born June 30, 1924 in New Hope, Arkansas and had been a resident of Pampa since 1939. He married Billee Kitchens on Dec. 30, 1942 in Pampa. He served in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Mr. Laramore was in the meat business until 1980, owning B & L Food Market, Blake's Country Store, Blake's Food Market, and B & B Packing. In 1980, he went to work for World's Finest Chocolates for 12 years in the fund-raising business. In 1992, he formed Blake's Fund Services which he operated until his death. He was a member and past master of Pampa Masonic Lodge #966 AF & AM, past district deputy grandmaster, and was past worthy patron of Pampa Chapter #65 Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Laramore was a member of the Lubbock Scottish Rite Consistory, the York Rite Bodies of Borger, Khiva Shrine Temple of Amarillo, Pampa Shrine Club, and he was a 33rd degree York Rite Mason. Blake performed over 375 Masonic graveside rites at area funerals while he was active in Masonry.In 1995, Mr. Laramore was named Pampa "Citizen of the Year" by the Pampa Chamber of Commerce. He was secretary of the Pampa Army Airfield Reunion for several years and was treasurer of the Freedom Museum for about 15 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church.SURVIVORS: Wife: Billee Laramore of the home; a son: Gary Laramore and wife Jerilyn of Panhandle; a daughter: Karan Cross and husband James "Wink" Cross of Pampa; 3 grandchildren: Preston Blake Cross and wife Emily of Surprise, AZ; Kerri Harris and husband Scott of Pampa; and Gary Laramore, Jr. and wife Stacie of Texline; and 5 great grandchildren: Adam, Chris, Carter, Mackenzie, and Andrew. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, Lloyd Laramore, in 2001.MEMORIALS: Freedom Museum, 600 N. Hobart, Pampa, TX 79065 or First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 621, Pampa, TX 79065.