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Robert Blackburn Obituary
Mr. Blackburn was born Aug. 2, 1930, in West Frankfort, a son of Gilbert and Iva (Davis) Blackburn.
He married Mary Ann Leaman on May 20, 1954, in West Frankfort.
He attended Union Grade School and Frankfort Community High School. From there he went on to serve in the Army National Guard and was a veteran of the Korean War. Bob later worked for General Telephone Company and retired after 37 years.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of West Frankfort. A love and favorite pastime of his was restoring vintage tractors. He also loved music and played the harmonica in Spring Pond Band.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; and his children, daughter Connie Blackburn Person and husband, Gordon, of Columbia, S. D.; son, Mike Blackburn and wife, Anita, of West Frankfort; granddaughters, Jessica and Megan Blackburn of West Frankfort; Bob is also survived by his brother, William (Bill) Blackburn and wife, Rosemary, of West Frankfort; niece, Lana Kee and husband, Ron, of Johnston City; nephew, Tim Blackburn and wife, Vickie, of West Frankfort; sister, Shirley Sutfin of Joppa; nieces, Cathy Wilson and husband, Andy, Debra Stanley; nephew, Glen Ashby; nephew, Bob Smith; niece, Sharon Smith Earl and husband, Bob.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Vera Sutfin and Irene Smith.
Services will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23, in Varis-Stone Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Cash officiating. Interment will be in Boner Cemetery. Friends of the Robert Blackburn family may call after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. For those who wish, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of West Frankfort and will be accepted at Varis-Stone Funeral Home at any time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Blackburn
6 Entries
February 27, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. A great family friend for many years. Our prayers are with the family at this time of sorrow.
Richard & Carol Vineyard
Bluffton, SC
Sandy & Larry Phipps
February 23, 2011
Dear Mary Ann, Larry and I are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was such a great guy and so much fun to be around. We know that he will be sadly missed by you and one and all.
February 22, 2011
Dear Mary Ann& family the passing of (Blacky) was one of the very sad days of my life, as you know we started the same day with the telephone company and he became one of my dearest friends we enjoyed many good times together both on and off the job and I am thankful that we got to see him the last time we were in Il.tell Mike and Connie that they had a wonderful dad and he will be missed by more people than you can imagine may god bless you and your family Will be in touch later.
Henry & Cathy Bozic
Avon Park Fl
Gene Williams
February 22, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
TOM & SANDY MOCK
February 21, 2011
BLACKIE WAS SUCH A DEAR FRIEND AND HAS BEEN FOR MANY YEARS. HE WILL BE MISSED SO MUCH BY ALL THOSE WHO KNEW HIM. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL SOON.
February 21, 2011
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. We know he is with Jesus now. He was very well thought of and our father who had him in school at Union really really liked him. Cynthia Kuehn Simmons
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