Everett Lee Blackburn

Everett "Ev" Lee Blackburn, of Houstonia, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Everett was born on February 3, 1940, to James and Nadene Blackburn in the family home on Houston Road, east of Houstonia. He grew up on the family farm alongside his siblings Jim, Judy, and Joe. At the age of six, Everett contracted polio - an illness that impacted him throughout his life yet never dimmed his determination or spirit.
When Everett was ten, the family moved to their newly built home on a farm north of Houstonia on Highway K. He attended Houstonia Elementary and High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. After graduating, he pursued mechanic school in Kansas City. During that time, he met the love of his life, Janet Hughes Walker, whom he later married. Together, they built their forever home just down the road from where Everett grew up, raising livestock, farming, and building a life filled with love and hard work.
Everett and Jan shared 64 wonderful years of marriage and raised three sons: Karl, Paul, and Eric.
A talented mechanic and craftsman, Everett loved spending time in his shop, rebuilding equipment and honing his skills as a metal fabricator. He had a passion for traveling, especially to the Southwest, where he developed an appreciation for Southwestern jewelry and art. After retiring from farming, he began creating his own jewelry and carvings, a hobby that brought him great joy.
Everett was committed to his community. He served several years on the Pettis County R-V School Board and was an active member of the Houstonia Cemetery Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Nadine; his brother, Jim (Norma); his sister, Judy (Dick); and his grandson, Holden Blackburn.
Everett is survived by his devoted wife, Jan; his brother, Joe (Janice); and his three sons: Karl (Debbie), Paul (Amanda), and Eric. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Austin (Haley), Rachel (Ross), Jake (Shelby), Connor (Kali), Trent (Bailey), Tyler, Anna, and Addi, along with six great-grandchildren: Emmett, Everett, Scout, Carlynn, Damon, and Aloni, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Rea Funeral Home on Monday, December 8, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Houstonia Cemetery Association.
The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Meredith Norfleet, the dedicated staff of St. Luke's Hospital, and Elara Caregivers for their exceptional care and compassion.
Everett's kindness, integrity, and quiet strength touched all who knew him. His memory will be forever cherished and will remain a lasting blessing to his family and friends.