John Blackburn, 89, of Oakland City, died Wednesday, December 31,

2008 at the Protestant Home in Evansville. He was born March 10, 1919 in Oakland City to Luther and Mary (Brewer) Blackburn.

He was a member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church since 1929. He was awarded the Silver Star as an Army Forward Observer in WWII. He was a member of Oakland City Masonic Lodge and Princeton VFW Post 1147. He enjoyed playing bass guitar in the Old Timers Band. He retired from the Maintenance Department, Gibson General Hospital after 16 years. Prior to that, in Oakland City, he owned and operated Blackburn Standard Service for 16 ½ years and was a part owner of L.A. Blackburn and Sons Poultry House.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Blackburn, on March 27, 2004. They were married for 63 years.

Survived are three children, Diana Lynn Jones of Framingham, MA, and Marquita Kelly and Richard Blackburn both of Indianapolis, IN, 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will Sunday January 4, 2:30 P.M. at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel with burial in Montgomery Cemetery, Dr. Douglas Low officiating.

Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 P.M. Saturday and from 1:00P.M.until services on Sunday at the chapel.