Richard Blake Rooks

Richard Blake Rooks, lovingly known as Blake, passed away suddenly on October 5, 2024, at the age of 31. Born on March 30, 1993, in Arlington, TX, to Richard Harvard Rooks and Becky Ford Rooks, Blake was a beloved son, teacher, and friend whose impact was felt by everyone who knew him.

From the time he was a baby, Blake had a deep awareness of the world around him, always observing and learning. As he grew, Blake became known for his strong connections with family and friends, especially the close-knit group he formed during his school years. His home was a gathering place for his “core” group of friends, and together with their moms, they created countless cherished memories and lifelong bonds that continue to this day.

Blake graduated from Martin High School in Arlington, TX, in May 2011, where he was a talented member of the concert and marching band, playing the trombone. His high school years were filled with friendships and shared experiences, which he carried with him throughout his life.

A lover of anime and an avid gamer, Blake had a special fondness for Dragon Ball and Gundam. In the fall of 2011, he began his studies at the University of North Texas in Denton, where he became known as Richard to his professors and new friends. During this time, he built meaningful, lifelong friendships and maintained close relationships with several of his mentor professors. Blake earned his master’s degree in history from UNT in May 2018.

In August 2018, Richard began his teaching career at Uplift Summit International Preparatory School as a high school history teacher. He adored his job and his students, whom he fondly referred to as “his kids.” His passion for preparing his students for college and beyond was unmistakable, and he deeply cared about their success. To all of Richard’s students, please know that he was immensely proud of you and your future mattered to him.

Blake will be remembered for his kind and loving nature. He touched the lives of so many, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Whether you knew him as Blake, Richard, Rooks, or Mr. Rooks, he left a lasting impact. Though his time with us was too short, his presence will be felt forever.

Blake is survived by his loving mother, Becky Rooks; his grandparents, A.D. and Dorothy Ford; his aunts and uncles, Susan “Soozie” Rooks Klinefelter, Laurie and Steve Deleon, and Rhonda Ford; his cousins and their families, Lyndsie and Brandon Arellano (and their children, Bralyn and Bryce), Kristin and Corey Tanner, Sharese and Jonathan Dickerson (and their children, Nathan and Tessa), and Carlie and Keith Juricek (and their children, Logan and Lainey). He is also survived by countless friends, students, and extended family members who held him close in their hearts.

Blake was preceded in death by his father, Richard Rooks; his paternal grandparents, Richard Byron and Wynona “Ginger” Ipock Rooks; his uncle, Roger Ford; his great-grandmother, Pearl Ford (Mimi); and many other beloved family members, including his maternal grandmother, Patsy Payne Ford, whom he didn’t have the opportunity to meet in his life.

A Celebration of Life for Richard Blake Rooks will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Wade Funeral Home and Crematory4140 W. Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, TX 76013

To honor Blake's legacy, his family asks that no flowers or food be sent. Instead, please consider donating to The Richard Rooks Memorial Scholarship Fund, which Blake would have loved as a tribute to his passion for education and his students. Donations can be made online at www.uplifteducation.org/donate or by mail to: The Richard Rooks Memorial Scholarship Fund 3000 Pegasus Park Drive, Suite 1100 Dallas, Texas 75247

Blake’s Celebration of Life will be a casual gathering, just as he would have wanted. His mother will be wearing jeans and a T-shirt in his honor, and she invites others to dress comfortably as well.

This obituary was written with love by his mom, Becky Rooks.