Obituaries

December 8, 1922 to August 27, 2014

ROYAL CENTER - Howard “Blackie” K. Blackman, 91, of Headlee passed away at 3:07 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 27, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Born on Dec. 8, 1922 in Pulaski County, he was the son of the late Ottis and Xenclea (Harriett) Blackman. On Dec. 8, 1948 he married Wilma Martin.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Wilma Blackman of Headlee, his children, Terry Blackman, Tom Blackman (Cindy) all of near Headlee, Ron Blackman (Cindy) of Logansport and Jeannie Knauff (Vince) of Denver, grandchildren, Rob Blackman (Stephanie) of Zionsville, Ryan Blackman of Idaville, Ricki Westerhouse (Matt) of Buffalo, Rhiana Lavender (Joe) of Star City, Gracie Byroad (Danny) of Star City, Mason Blackman (Lindsey) of Pulaski, Melissa Hoover of Francesville, Chantel Crawn (Jeremy) of Idaville, Tasha Blackman of Indianapolis and Chad Haselby (Christy) of Silver Lake. He is also survived by 28 great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Donna Baker Blackman, sisters, Winafred Helvie, Genevieve Brandt, Helen Huddleston and Mabel Hilgeman, brothers, George Blackman, Bill Blackman, Burl Blackman, Don Blackman and Harry Blackman, 1 infant granddaughter and 2 infant great granddaughters.

Mr. Blackman was a World War II U.S. Army veteran serving in France, Belgium and Holland. He was a heavy equipment operator retiring in 1987 from Deichman Excavating, and he was a member of the Operator of Engineers Local #103. After retirement, he formerly owned and operated Blackman Excavating for over 30 years.

He was also a member of White Oak United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 81 in Monticello, and he was a 50-year member of the Royal Center Masonic Lodge. His main hobby was “always working” but he also enjoyed fox and coon hunting, fishing, square dancing and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s school sporting events.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, at at Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center Chapel  and also one hour prior to the service on Monday. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday (Sept. 1), at the funeral home with Pastor Adam Speicher officiating. Burial with military rites will be performed at Pro Cemetery near Headlee.

Memorial donations may be made to White Oak United Methodist Church.