Magnolia is mourning the loss of 14-year-old Blake Allen Schone who passed away January 7, 2026.
Blake was the son of Paul Allen and Julia Elizabeth Baker Schone. He loved the outdoors, whether it was horseback riding with Grandma, hiking and skiing with his family or riding his Papa’s four-wheeler and side-by-side. He loved gaming and running around outside with his brothers, going on walks and talking with his mom, usually barefoot because he hated shoes. Blake also loved wrestling and talking about airplanes with his dad.
Most of all, Blake loved airplanes with the P-51 being his favorite. Blake knew anything and everything about them and could have been an unofficial guide at the Air and Space Museum. He planned to follow in his dad’s footsteps to become a pilot.
When you got Blake on a subject the liked, he was one of the most interesting people to talk to. He knew all the facts and obscure details about everything and when asked how he knew that he would simply say “I just know things.”
Blake loved his summer visits to Illinois where he was surrounded by family. When he visited, he worked at Burrus Seed Farms with his older brother but spent the rest of his time swimming and playing with his brothers and cousins.
In addition to planes, his summer trips to Illinois and wrestling, Blake loved animals, especially his late mastiff, Guinness and his new puppy, Whiskey. He also adored his cats Tiger and Pepper. Most evenings, they could all be seen walking around the neighborhood with Blake and his mom.
His family says that Blake was a great kid and an even better person. He always thought of others first and considered their feelings above his own. He was extremely polite, thankful and caring. He was a great caretaker, always watching out for his brothers and taking care of the animals.
“I will always remember the time we watched a King Kong film while on a double family trip to Zion,” Sara Jones said. “I loved talking to you about the movie and how excited you were to share all your knowledge with me. We also talked about how animals are really intelligent and how they communicate. I will cherish that memory forever. You are so loved, beautiful boy.”
Blake is survived by his parents, his grandparents, Pual and Mary Baker of Chapin, Illinois and Greg and Lori Schone of Arenzville, Illinois. He is also survived by his brothers, Brycen, Kyler and Owen Schone. Many aunts, uncles and cousins survive him as well. He will be loved and missed by everyone who knew him.
There will be a private funeral in Illinois where Blake will be celebrated by his family. The family requests no flowers and appreciates only your thoughts and prayers in Blake’s loving memory.
