Bennie C. Blackburn

METAMORA?Bennie C. Blackburn, 82, of Metamora, passed away at 5:16 p.m., Sunday, July 27, 2014 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Bennie was born on December 7, 1931 in Montgomery City, Missouri to Earl and Elizabeth (Saladin) Blackburn. He married Shirley Fisher in Montgomery City on September 11, 1955 and had celebrated over 58 years together. Shirley survives. Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Nancy Blackburn of Edwards; a grandson, Adam (Sarah) Blackburn of Bellevue, Washington; a granddaughter, Andrea Blackburn of Edwards; one sister, Bonnie Crook of Kansas City, Missouri and one brother, Edwin Blackburn of California. He was preceded in death by his son, Paul, who died in Hawaii on June 11, 2013 as well as two brothers and six sisters. Bennie was a retired machinist for Caterpillar where he had worked for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1985. In addition to Caterpillar, Bennie and Shirley planted and managed Partridge Point Orchard, north of Metamora, for 35 years. He had served in the U. S. Army after high school and was a veteran of the Korean War. Bennie?s hobbies were fishing and working on his tractors. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandpa and helpful to all who had a need. Bennie cherished the time he could spend visiting with his friends and neighbors. He was a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2014 with Pastor Tom Goodell and Dr. Charles Bethel officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora with military rites being accorded. Visitation for Bennie will be from 9:30 to 11 at the church prior to the service. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Bennie may be directed to either his church or ALS Research.