Robert L. Blackburn, 57, one of Olney's most respected and civic-minded citizens, passed away at his home, 417 E. Monroe Street, this morning July 25, 1972 following a long illness. He was born November 4, 1914.  Services at the Zirkle Mortuary with Rev. Louis Frick officiating. Burial in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Blackburn who was president of the Olney Trust and Banking Company, had a most active civic career. He had served on East Richland Board of Education, Olney City Commission, Richland County TB Sanitarium Board, and had been president of Olney Chamber of Commerce, and Olney Rotary Club. He had been a member of the American Legion, the VFW, and B.P.O.Elks, and was a member of the Olney First Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two daughters, Mrs. William (Jean) Chandler, Olney and Mrs. David (Susan) Meyer, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; his mother, Mrs. Leslie Blackburn, Olney; a sister, Mrs. Ruth Clinard, Madison, Wisc.; and four grandchildren, Robert and Susan Chandler and John and Katherine Meyer.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) - July 26, 1972