Gary Lee Blackmer

Gary Lee Blackmer, age 75, passed on peacefully into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital on March 11, 2026. Gary was the first born to Robert and Nancy Blackmer on February 9, 1951. He met his loving wife almost fifty-six years ago at a popular hangout in the day, John's Awful Awful drive-in restaurant. he married Linda Sue Murrell a year later on June 12, 1971, even though she was a Muncie Southside Rebel and he a Muncie Central Bearcat. Gary retired from the Muncie Newspaper (now The Star Press) where he started as a young boy delivering papers on his bicycle. He worked switchboard, stereotype and finally retiring from the mailroom. Gary was a hard worker all his life and possessed many skills. He liked to help people using his natural and self-taught abilities especially with plumbing and water softeners all the while coping with different physical pains particularly the back (scoliosis). Gary graduated from Muncie Central in 1969 and attended Ball State University. Gary and Linda enjoyed bike riding and walking on the country roads and on the Cardinal Greenway. They also liked to walk in the Muncie Mall. Their family grew with the adoption of Jason and Carrie. They were also foster parents. Gary is survived by his wife Linda, and children Jason Blackmer and Carrie Blackmer. His siblings Tom Blackmer (Christy), Pamela "Candy" Bricker (Ken), Doreen Anderson (Marv), Debbie McPherson (Bruce), and Diana Peterson along with many nieces and nephews and cousins survive. A brother-in-law, Dave Murrell, and his son John Murrell (Teresa) also survive. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Vickie Patrick, nephews Taylor McPherson and Wayne Adams and brother-in-law Doug Murrell. Burial will be private at Woodlawn Cemetery in Farmland. Arrangements have been entrusted to MJS Mortuaries. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mjsmortuaries.com. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of donor's choice.