Richard Blackburn, 89, of Olney, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at his home. Richard was born on April 16, 1934 in Olney, Illinois, the son of Clarence and Maudie (Cook) Blackburn. He married Elizabeth LaVerne Weiler on March 17, 1956 in Decatur, Illinois, and she preceded him in death on March 15, 2014.

Richard was born in Olney, Illinois in 1934 and graduated from East Richland High School in 1952. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada, assigned to above-ground nuclear testing. Upon returning home from the Army, he met Elizabeth “LaVerne” Weiler. They soon married and started a family. Over the next several years, they lived in Decatur, Girard, Carlyle, and Auburn, before settling permanently in Olney. Richard was employed by Western Surety Bonding Company and, at the time of his retirement, had achieved the level of Assistant Vice President.

After retiring, Richard and LaVerne traveled a lot more, visiting children and grandchildren, and wintering in Las Vegas. When LaVerne was diagnosed with dementia, Richard lovingly cared for her until she passed. Though deeply saddened by the loss, Richard always believed “life is for the living,” and he continued engaging in activities he enjoyed. He began spending time with Diane Fehrenbacher, herself no stranger to losing a long-term partner. They enjoyed watching movies, dining out, traveling, and visiting casinos. As Richard’s health declined, Diane was lovingly by his side. Richard leaves behind a legacy of living life to the fullest and consistently showing up for those he loved. He passed away at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Richard is survived by his partner, Diane Fehrenbacher; daughters, Karen Edwards of Vincennes, IN and Lynn Pace and her husband Tap of Troy, VA; Son, Dale Blackburn and wife, Cathleen of Port Ludlow, WA; Twin sons, James Blackburn and wife, Kelly and Jeffery Blackburn and wife, Amy, both of Laguna Hills, CA; Son, Timothy Blackburn and husband, Ben Elowitz of Santa Monica, CA; 13 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great Grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and six siblings.

A visitation will be held for friends and family on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney. A funeral service will be held for Richard at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney.

Interment will follow the service at St. Joseph Cemetery in Olney, with Full Military Rites to be performed at the graveside.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL