Roland Reo Blow was born July 9, 1945, in Indiana, Indianapolis, to the late Roosevelt and Esther Roberts Blow. His mother, Esther and grandparents, Ruben Sr., and Mary Roberts, instilled the importance of a relationship with Christ at an early age and insured that he and his eight siblings faithfully attended Ivy Avenue Seventh Day Adventist Church.

When Roland's parents divorced, his mother relocated to Monrovia, California, where his mother met and married Roy Collier. Roland lived with his mother and stepfather, 'Pops'. He graduated from Monrovia High School in 1964 where he was one of their star athletes, along with his eldest brother, Roosevelt. Roland was highlighted in the local newspapers for his basketball achievements; however, he had a great love for all sports.

Enlisting in the Army after graduation, July 14, 1964, Roland served in Vietnam in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper until July 13, 1967. Roland thrived in the structure and discipline of the military and served another three years in the Army Reserve. After his military service and with his pioneering spirit, Roland began his career as one of first African American Distribution Lineman with Southern California Edison. Roland loved his job stating that he "enriched the quality of life for resident and business in Southern California (SCE) by providing electricity and communication lines. " After a workplace injury, Roland left SCE and turned his love of driving and exploring places into another career by becoming a Greyhound bus driver. Roland drove buses for over ten years, and then he expanded his love of driving large vehicles to work in various positions in the trucking industry from which he retired.

Roland had many hobbies, and he was known to be physically strong his entire life due to his love of exercising and riding his bike every day. He loved photography, collecting and driving classic cars, taking long drives, and trying different types of food. Being mechanically inclined, Roland loved to restore and repair vintage cars. He had one of the first low riders in Monrovia that he affectionately named, "Cool Blue '62. " And, before it was a 'thing,' Roland was a 'foodie. ' In fact, when he was visiting his great-niece's home where early in the day, she fried some fish for her dinner and put it in the refrigerator for later. Roland knew how to make himself at home wherever he went, so he helped himself to the fried fish. When his niece began to look for her dinner, she asked her family who ate her fish. Roland replied, "Roland did. And it was good!"

Roland's favorite past time was getting the family together to watch basketball, football, and boxing matches. He also loved watching all types of movies, especially Westerns. Roland took pride in how he dressed and presented himself to the world. He was known as a very sharp dresser, and most of his friends would say, "Blow is a gentle man, nice looking, and a fine dresser."

Roland was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, great uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, cousin, and friend to many. He cared for his friends and loved his family deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt Blow, Sr., and Esther Blow Collier; brothers, Roosevelt Blow, Jr., Leon Officer Blow, and Perry Officer.

He leaves behind to celebrate his life and memory his Aunt, Malvina "Mally" Flynn; siblings, Jerry Officer, Cornelius Collier, Alisa (Collier) Russell, Gwiin (Collier) Correa, Keith Collier; his children, Will Blow, Mona Haynes (Antonio Clemmons), Derrick Blow, Robyn Brown, Dennis Blow, Kirby (Krista) Gardner, Nefertiti Blow, Dnae Reo (Berenise) Blow, Jewel Blow, Mericka Blow and a host of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

We've lost another warrior.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.