Blake Sturm

Blake was born into this world as Christina Grace Sturm on September 18th, 1999. As with many aspects in his life, Blake always blazed his way forward with a dazzling firework display of personality and a love for life. Even from a very young age Blake was a unique and wonderful soul who brightened the world around him. As a child Blake loved eating mustard and strawberry jam sandwiches, his favorite color was brown and in a family ‘sandwich’ hug he would always declare he was the cabbage! Blake loved animals and rescued more than one stray by the side of the road.

Blake also had a way of seeing beauty in things others rejected and openly extended love to everything from the ugliest stuffed animals to broken people. He was exceptionally creative and talented in many things including drawing, painting, cooking, acting, dancing and performing. Blake loved performing onstage as the mighty King Shere Khan and was an active member of the LGBTQ+ community. Blake was also intelligent, thoughtful and hardworking. He graduated with a welding certification through Central Virginia Community College, and prided himself on his toughness and ability to take on manual jobs.

Blake is survived by his loving parents Jerome and Diane Sturm; his six siblings Erica (Brian), Logan (Victoria), Alex (Miranda), Sarah (Tunç), Josiah, Elijah; nieces Kailee, Hayden and Elise as well as his nephew Dax and many supportive aunts, uncles and cousins. Blake’s spark disappeared too soon when he passed away on 8/29/25. He was preceded in death by his nephew Tomas Whitaker, maternal grandparents Harlin and Betty Senger and paternal grandparents Donald and Fran Sturm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Trevor Project or the local Humane Society

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Compassion Church of the Nazarene 1737 Wards Ferry Road Lynchburg, VA 24502.

A second memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Briery Branch Church of the Brethren 6628 Briery Branch Road, Dayton, VA 22821.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.