Glen R. “Blackie” Blackburn

glen blackburn

Glen R. “Blackie” Blackburn, 86, Marion, died at Colonial Oaks Health Care Center at 3:05 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2017. He was born in Marion on October 7, 1930, to Russell and Doris (Alexander) Blackburn, and he married Edwina Perry on July 9, 1952.

After graduating from Marion High School, Blackie enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country for two terms. He was a Drill Sergeant, as well as a recruit trainer at Texas Tech College. After his military service, he went to barber school in Indianapolis and then became owner/operator of Blackie’s Barber Shop. He served the community for 38 years.

While in the USMC, Blackie became involved with the Toys for Tots program, which he was part of during its early years. He enjoyed traveling and had visited numerous places all across the United States over the years. Blackie was a very skilled carpenter and handyman, and he used this skill to build his family home. It was in that home where family gathered often and wonderful memories were made. There was no doubt that Blackie loved spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Edwina; children, Glen R. (Lisa) Blackburn, Jr., Marion, Thomas A. Blackburn, Marion, and Jolly R. (Barbara) Blackburn, Waukegan, Illinois; grandchildren, Scott, Nick, Elizabeth, Ronada, and Christy; 15 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and his best friend and dog, P.J..

Preceding him in death were his parents, Russell (Doris) Blackburn; son, Gregory Blackburn; granddaughter, Amber Blackburn; two brothers, Russell Blackburn, Jr., and Wayne Blackburn; and two sisters, Rose and Ada.

A memorial service for Glen will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2017, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. Rev. Dr. Tom Mansbarger will be officiating.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, VA 22172.

Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.

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