William Sanford Blackburn

Funeral services for William Sanford Blackburn will be held Monday June 6, 2005 at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary of the Western Heights Baptist Church officiating will Rev. David Head. Burial will conclude at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Bill was born May 1, 1909 in Guymon, Oklahoma to William Sanford and Alla (Colburn) Blackburn. Four month after Bill was born his father passed away. At that time the family moved to Melvern, Arkansas to be near family to help her take care of the six children. Bill spent most of his childhood in the Zack, Arkansas area. In the early 1920ís Bill moved to the Cleveland area. Upon his arrival he gained employment with the Cleveland Brick Yard. Bill remained working at the brick yard until its closure. He then began working at Johnson Oil Refinery. On August 16, 1930 Bill was united in marriage to Eva Pearl (Molleur) in Cleveland, Oklahoma. After their marriage Bill and Eva continued to reside in Cleveland. Bill continued to work for Johnson Oil Refinery for over 24 years. In 1957 Bill and Eva moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. In the early 1960ís they returned to Cleveland. At that time Bill started his own welding shop known as W.S. Blackburn Welding. During that time he also joined the Plumber and Pipefitters Local #430. While working with the Local 430 that took him too many places in the United States which include building missile silos in Kansas. After many years working for local Bill accepted employment with Word Industries in Tulsa. Bill retired after over 20 years of service.

Bill had numerous things he loved to do but most of all he enjoyed being with his family. He was a loving father, grandpa, and great grandpa. He loved taking his family with him fishing. He also made memorable vacations for his grandchildren when they traveled to Silver Dollar City, Colorado, fishing trips or just camping out. Bill was also a faithful and devoted member of the Western Heights Baptist Church. Bill had been a member of the Hebron Lodge 215 since 1939.

Bill went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday June 2, 2005 at the Cleveland Area Hospital at the age of 96 years 1 month and 1 day. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife Eva, four sisters Ruth Arkinson, Voila House, Marie Blackwell, Ivle Colburn, one brother Henry Blackburn, one grandson Bobby Hodson and one great grandson Jonathan Hodson.

Survived by his daughter, Janette Hodson of Cleveland, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, nine great great grandchildren, a longtime school friend Shorty Martin of Cleveland, Oklahoma as well as a host of other family and friends.

Visit and online obituary and guestbook for Bill Blackburn at www.chapman-black.com.