By Staff
Kenneth L. Blackburn, 88, of Bryant Street, Niles, died at 7:29 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008, at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, following an extended illness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at First Baptist Church, Niles, with Pastor Jim Wing officiating.
Burial will be in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles. A veterans' flag presentation and taps will follow the committal Tuesday by the American Legion Post No. 26.
Friends may cal at the church at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
He was born on Oct. 20, 1919, in Niles, to George Herman Blackburn and Thelma B. (Roy) Blackburn.
He graduated from Niles High School and has lived in Niles all of his life.
He retired from Tyler Refrigeration, Niles and was formerly employed at National-Standard and Bendix.
He was a member of First Baptist Church in Niles, where he served as a deacon.
Blackburn was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S.. Air Force 91st Bomb Group, completing 35 combat missions. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
He enjoyed playing solitaire, watching golf and basketball on television and reading the Bible.
On June 17, 1939, in Saint John's Evangelical Church, Niles, he married Anna P. (Royer) Blackburn, who survives.
additional surviving relatives include a daughter, Celia (Gary) Whittaker of Niles; a granddaughter, Angela (Frank) Vella; a grandson, Tyler Weedon; two brothers, Eldon Blackburn of Niles and Dwain Blackburn of Mathews, N.C. and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church.
Arrangements were by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.