Sheldon "Don Black" Erie Blackmer

Sheldon “Don Black” Blackmer of Vassar, Michigan, passed away Monday, January 16th, 2023, at the age of 88.

Sheldon was born in Vassar on July 20th, 1934, to the late Erie & the late Laura Blackmer. He grew up in Vassar and attended grade school at a one-room schoolhouse on the corners of Waterman and Sheridan roads, and later Vassar High School. When he came of age, he joined the U.S. Army serving six years and obtained his G.E.D. While stationed at the Nike Missile Base in Wheeler, Indiana, he met the love of his life, Della Lou Norman. Together they celebrated 56 years of marriage, before Della’s passing in 2015, and had four children, three girls and one boy.  The family soon returned to Michigan to raise their children.

Sheldon held several job titles, but his passion was radio and being a “disc jockey”. He worked at several radio stations ending his “DJ” career at WIDL/WKYO in Caro. Many still fondly remember his Sunday gospel show on WKYO. Sheldon loved music, gardening, canning, and spending time with family and friends.

Sheldon is survived by his sisters: Ernestine Spencer, Pheobe Spencer, and Vikie Thornton; children: Chrystal Stevens, April Blackmer, Brenda Alexander, and Scott Blackmer; grandchildren: Richard Bragg, Shannon Bragg, William Rice, Cindy Smith, Barb Accord, Alexis Alexander, Sean Bragg, Adam Bragg, Ricky Bragg, Chris Alexander, Chrystal Alexander, Carmen Alexander, Josh Miles, Tiffany Miles, Tyler Miles, Brandon Blackmer, Sherry Currie, Rhonda Ruppert, Marcia DeTavis, and preceded in death by Timothy Cessna; great-grandchildren: Anthony Bragg, Emily Bragg, Jonathan (LJ) Lamb, Kimmy Sue Heizlman, Erica Heizlman, Chase Rice, River Rice, Keirra Jerry, Dylan Smith, Jaxon Smith, Jimmy Accord, Douglas Accord, Luke Accord, Vickey Accord, Zack Currie, Junior Currie, Briana Ruppert, Jess Ruppert, Sara Guith, Destiny DeTavis, and Cheyenne Burger; two great-great-grandchildren, Mike Smith, and Aris Herman;  close family friend, Linda Whooley; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held later, time and place yet to be determined.

Hanlin Funeral Homes

Serving Millington & Vassar

Since 1928