Franklin D. “Blackie” Blackburn, 85, passed away Monday, April 13 at the Platte County Legacy Home in Wheatland.
Blackie Blackburn was born on Friday, April 27, 1934 the son of Willie E. and Lena (Caudill) Blackburn in Sciotoville, Ohio.
Blackie was reared and educated in Ohio. After graduating from high school he served in the United States Navy. After the service he decided he would work for the Ohio State Troopers, he worked there for a year before joining the United States Air Force. He served in the Korea and Vietnam Conflict. He was in the civil service at the Georgia Air Force Base. He married Tish Blackburn who preceded him in death. He then married Eileen Weddle in Apple Valley, Calif. He was an electrician for the Georgia Air Force Base located in California for many years. He retired from the Air Force and they packed up their belongs and started driving. They stopped in Wheatland and loved it here and has been here for 40 plus years. While living in Wheatland, Blackie had various jobs but, the one he loved the most was managing the Golf Course for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen Blackburn of Cheyenne; children, Mitch Blackburn of Wheatland and Cathy Comstock of Texas; step children, Barbara Martell and Lori Strawn both of California; grandchildren, Mitch Blackburn, Jr and Jessie Blackburn both of Texas; great granddaughter, Raylyn Blackburn of Texas; and several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.
Some of his hobbies included wood working and golfing.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Letitia Blackburn; siblings, Don Blackburn, Nancy Traylor, and Rick Blackburn; and step-children, Kristi Hooker-Fisher and Marcus Cooley.
A funeral service will be held at a later date when the restrictions have been lifted and we can give Blackie the correct send off.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com
