Rev. Howard Wayne Blackburn

Rev. Howard Wayne Blackburn, age 79, departed this life peacefully at his home in Jasper, Missouri, on Monday, August 4, 2025, after months of failing health. He entered this life on July 25, 1946, in Webb City, Missouri, born to the union of the late Willie and Dessie (Balcom) Blackburn.

Howard's early education took place in Greenland, Arkansas, where he spent his grade school years before moving to a farm near Carthage, Missouri, on Center Creek when he was in the 8th grade. On August 26, 1967, he married his beloved wife, Twyla Moback, and together they welcomed three children into the world, building a family that would be Howard's pride and joy.

A man of many talents and a dedicated worker, Howard was a skilled machinist by trade. He retired from the Webb City R-7 School District in 1996, where he had served as a custodian and bus driver for nearly twenty-five years. His commitment to service extended beyond his professional life, as he was also an ordained minister and evangelist. Howard's passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ led him to spend two years on an Indian Reservation in Arizona, where he touched many lives with his message of hope and salvation.

Howard's service to his country was equally commendable. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, aboard the USS Calvert and Banner, where he held the rank of Boatswain Mate E3. His patriotism and love for his country were unwavering, and his experiences in the Navy were a source of great pride throughout his life.

In his personal time, Howard found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed mowing and caring for his property, a task that brought him peace and satisfaction. His hands were rarely still, as he was also an avid woodworker and crocheter, creating beautiful pieces that his family will treasure for generations.

Howard is survived by his devoted wife of nearly fifty-eight years, Twyla Blackburn; his sons, Mike Blackburn and wife, Melissa, of Reeds, Missouri, and Tim Blackburn and wife, Melissa, of Jasper, Missouri; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brothers, Elmer Blackburn and James Blackburn, both of Tishomingo, Oklahoma; and his sister, Mary Freeman of Joplin, Missouri. His legacy also lives on through a host of other family members and friends who were blessed to know him. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Dessie Blackburn; his daughter, Tanya Blackburn; and his brothers, Emmit Napier and Chuck and Ralph Blackburn.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2025 in the chapel of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri with his son, Rev. Mike Blackburn officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Mike Blackburn, Tim Blackburn, Jack Inman, Jacob Barnes, Ray Anderson and Terry Moback. Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home in Webb City, Missouri.