Charles Blackburn

Charles R. Blackburn the son of W.O. and Helen (Byers) Blackburn was born December 27, 1924 in Chamois, Missouri and departed this life on May 5, 2015 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma at the age of 90 years, 4 months and 8 days.

Charles was a very unique individual and he never met a stranger. He was a carpenter by trade and could build nearly anything you wanted or he decided you needed. He enjoyed building things and would make different knick knacks for the yard or garden. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy and after his service he worked for Tinker Air Force Base as the head of the wood and metal shop. While working at Tinker he had the opportunity to work on several different Presidents' planes, before they were called Air Force One. He did all of the woodwork inside the planes and oversaw all the work being done. He could name off every General that he had ever worked for, and they brought the planes to him specifically because of his attention to detail and skill. He enjoyed talking about planes and being a Naval Pilot. He enjoyed talking with people and he could tell a story and stretch it for a country mile if needed. Charles retired and he was able to spend the rest of his life doing the other things he enjoyed which was fishing, traveling and volunteering. Charles was one of a kind and he touched many lives throughout his lifetime. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Henryetta June Blackburn; his stepson Tommy Smith; and his brothers Wilford Blackburn, Dan Blackburn and Jim Blackburn.

He is survived by his children Mike Blackburn and wife Sheila of Rising Star, TX, Sandy Paul and husband Bobby of Garland, TX and Martha Watson of Oklahoma City; his sister Ruth Stovall and husband Mervin of Tyler, TX; 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive him.

Visitation

Hart Funeral Home
1506 N. Grand Ave
Tahlequah, OK  74464
Thursday, May 7, 2015
8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Service

Hart Funeral
1506 N. Grand Ave.
Tahlequah, OK  74464
Friday, May 8, 2015
11:00 am

Cemetery

Ft. Gibson National Cemetery
Ft. Gibson, OK  74434