Harlan F. Blackburn

Harlan Francis Blackburn, 90, of Quincy, IL, passed away at 12:45 pm Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Hammond Hall in Quincy.

A funeral service will be at 1:00 pm Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy with full military honors by American Legion Post #37 and the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail.

Friends and family are invited to Harlan's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy.

Harlan was born July 20, 1930, in La Grange, MO to John Harlan and Cora Louise (Heither) Blackburn.

He was married to Ruth Miller on December 17, 1955 at Grandview Baptist Church in Quincy. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Ruth survives.

In addition to his wife, other survivors include two sons, John Blackburn (Becky) of Canton, MO and Bradley "Brad" Blackburn of Sikeston, MO; four grandchildren, Christina "Chrissy" Woodworth (Joey) of Canton, MO, Casie Bainbridge (Matt) of Quincy, IL, C.J. Neff (Wesley "Wes") of Canton, MO, and Cody Gipson (Channing) of Canton, MO; and ten great-grandchildren.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Steven Blackburn; and one brother, Billy Blackburn.

Harlan proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Later in life, he was able to go on the Great River Honor Flight with his son, John.

Harlan was a graduate of La Grange High School. Professionally, he went on to work at Durst Dairy, JCPenney, and as a welder at Gardner Denver for 20 years. He later started his own concrete construction business. He was known for his honesty and integrity in the building industry.

Harlan was a lifetime member of the VFW and South Side Boat Club, where he played horseshoes. He was also an honorary member of Triple Oaks Club, where he would cook breakfast. Upon retirement, Harlan and Ruth spent their winters in Clearwater, FL. During this time, they took several cruises, including ones to Scotland, Europe, and Germany with the German Village Society. Harlan loved fishing, and his favorite spot to deep sea fish for grouper was in Key West, FL. He also had a tradition of going to his favorite restaurant, Crabby Bill's, every Friday night while in FL. In addition to their international travels, Harlan and Ruth also enjoyed bus trips throughout the United States. Harlan loved his family deeply and savored his camping trips with his son, Brad. He was a talented carpenter and cook, building four houses throughout his life and making the best homemade wine, jelly, and ice cream. Mushroom hunting, playing Solitaire and shuffleboard, and doing puzzles were a few of Harlan's other favorite things. He was kind to everyone and never met a stranger.

Harlan was Baptist by faith.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home Activity Fund or to Ruth Blackburn for their great-grandchild's health expenses.

Online condolences may be shared and a video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.