John R Blackburn, 89, of Oakland City, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 at the Protestant Home in Evansville.

Born March 10, 1919 in Oakland City, he was the son of 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 WW II, was a member of Oakland City Masonic Lodge 467 and Princeton VFW Post 1147. He enjoyed playing bass guitar in the Old Timers Band.

He retired from the maintenance department at Gibson General Hospital after 16 years. Prior to that, he owned and operated Blackburn Standard Service in Oakland City for 16 years and was a part owner of L.A. Blackburn and Sons Poultry House.

Survivors include by daughters, Diana Lynn Jones of Framingham, Mass., Marquita Kelly of Indianapolis; son, Richard Blackburn of Indianapolis, eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

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

Funeral services will at 2:30 p.m. Sunday Jan. 4, 2009 at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel with Dr. Douglas Low officiating. Burial will be in Montgomery Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Saturday and from 1 p.m. until service time on Sunday at the chapel.