Edward Luke Blackburn

Edward Luke Blackburn HAVANA - Edward Luke Blackburn, 81, died Thursday, May 1, 2008, at his home. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. EDT Sunday, May 4, at Luke Blackburn Farm, 619 Johnson Rd., Havana, Fla., with a private family interment at Salem Cemetery in Havana. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Cemetery Fund, 6972 FL/GA Highway, Havana, FL 32333, or to a favorite charity. Faith Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements (850-539-4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com ). Mr. Luke was born in Gadsden County on Feb. 27, 1927. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 16. He served on the USS Burroughs and was a part of the second invasion of the Philippines. Mr. Luke was a true Southern gentleman. He was a master craftsman/builder and was well-known for building tobacco barns and family homes in Havana. He was a true outdoors man and nature lover and enjoyed hunting and fishing. His garden was a large part of his life, often he would plant vegetables just to share with his neighbors and friends. Mr. Luke's barn parties were big events in Havana and were often the talk of the town. Just a few years ago Elvis attended and performed at one of his parties. Mr. Luke was also known for his stories and knowledge of the history of Havana and Gadsden County. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Eddie R. Blackburn of Havana; two sons, Edward Luke Blackburn Jr, of Troy, Ala., and Charles Powell (and wife Lina) of Tallahassee; four daughters, Cheree B. Jeter of Thomasville, Ga., Rebecca L. Blackburn of Tallahassee, Nancy P. Whiddon (and husband Pat) of Perry, Ga., and Jenny Robertson (and husband Jeff) of Havana; and his best buddy, Alvin; nine grandchildren, Thomas Jeter (and wife Grace Marie), Lee Ann Holloway (and husband Jeff), Heather Allen (and husband Lamar), Ashley Crosby (and husband Clay), Baily Powell, Heath Whiddon, Kyle Powell, John Luke Robertson and Garren Robertson; six great-grandchildren, Alexis Jeter, Emma Jeter, Erin Jeter, Vincent Holloway and Cannon Allen; and his brother-in-law, Tommy Rowell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Lafayette and TheoHarden Blackburn; his brother, Hugh Blackburn; and his sister, Martha Lee Phillips and her husband, Ralph.