Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
George Blackburn Obituary
PEORIA - George J. Blackburn Jr., 77, of Champaign, formerly of Peoria, died at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, May 1, 2010, at his home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 6, at Owens Funeral Home in Champaign. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mount Olive Cemetery in Mayview. Military rites will be accorded at the cemetery by Champaign VFW Post 5520.
Mr. Blackburn was born on Sept. 9, 1932, to George J. and Mary Kellenberger Blackburn in Peoria. He married Carol Lee Hansen in Moline on Aug. 31, 1957.
He is survived by his wife, Lee; daughters, Mary Blackburn, Betsy Hunt and Brenda (Mark) Wolf; three granddaughters, Kallie-Jo Wolf, Tory Lynn Wolf and Megan Elizabeth Hunt; brother, Ace (Charlene) Blackburn; and his mother, Mary M. Blackburn.
Mr. Blackburn graduated from Dunlap High School and attended Western and Knox colleges before graduating from Eureka College in 1958 with a degree in business administration.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in the 44th Infantry Division from 1951 to 1953.
Mr. Blackburn had a career in the sales field. He worked for various food companies and for Armour/Dial for 20 years before retiring in 1993.
After retiring, he devoted the next 17 years volunteering in various ways for the community. He started Neighborhood Watch on West Maple Street and was captain for 16 years. He was past commander of American Legion Post 24 and was instrumental in getting the flags in the obituaries for veterans.
He attended the Citizen Police Academy and served on the advisory board of public works, as part of the crew for the Champaign Park District that planted flowers and trees. He served on the VFW Post 5520 color guard and was a 32nd degree Mason of the Western Star Lodge 2310, Danville Consistory.
After being active in his children's lives, he attended the many functions of his granddaughters. Mr. Blackburn also made weekly visits to his 95-year-old mother in Metamora. He was a caring son and father and a doting grandfather.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 24 or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be offered online at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Blackburn
1 Entry
Marjorie Brown
May 6, 2010
George was a friend and always helped out at the American Legion Post 24 and did fish bingo and etc. And he did the Neighborhood watch board for the street that he lived on. And we will miss him and all the laughs and smiles that he gave all of us. The American Legion Post 24 will miss him.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in George Blackburn's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for George Blackburn
How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor George Blackburn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
