Paul D. Blackburn

Paul D. Blackburn, 56, of Beijing, China and Edwards, Illinois went missing at sea during a sailing and snorkeling excursion on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 while vacationing with his family in Hawaii. Paul was born on September 27, 1956 in Peoria, the son of Bennie and Shirley Blackburn of Partridge Point Orchard, Metamora. He married Nancy Miller on July 7, 1984 in Peoria. Surviving are his parents, his wife Nancy Blackburn of Edwards, Illinois; one son, Adam and one daughter Andrea both still at home. Paul worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 37 years. Paul held a number of senior leadership positions for Caterpillar in China and Japan since he moved to Asia in 2000. Prior to his assignments in Asia, Paul held a number of leadership positions within the company in the areas of manufacturing and engineering, including posts in England, Mexico, and the United States. He was a 1974 graduate of Washington Community High School, earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois then a Master?s Degree in Business Administration from Bradley University. A Memorial Service will be held at the Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. Visitation will be held at 5:00 pm with a Memorial Service beginning at 6:00 pm with Pastor Tom Goodell officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul's name to the ALS Association (which his father has) or University of Illinois Foundation. Online condolences to the family may be made at masonfuneralhomes.com