Cecil H. Blackburn

Cecil Blackburn, cherished dad, granddad and great granddad, passed away on November 20, 2013 at the age of 100. He was always happy, never met a stranger and was loved by all. Cecil was born in Elmdale on May 25, 1913 to George Harrison and Annie Blackburn. He was the oldest of six with three brothers and two sisters. He lived all his life in the Abilene area and was married to Iva Dell Whitt on August 5, 1933. They were married for 74 years. Cecil worked on the farm with his dad and later became a truck driver. He drove for 30 years and almost a million miles. He retired at age 65 when he went back to farming until the age of 94. He was able to live at home and enjoyed TV, politics and his cat, Little Bit. He was preceded in death by his wife Iva Dell, two brothers GH and Vernon Blackburn and both sisters, Maxine Hollingshead and Ava Nell Antilley. He is survived by his three children: Gerald “Max” Blackburn and wife Celeste, Patsy Townsend, Judy Williford and husband Wade. Five grandchildren: Gerald Townsend and wife Joni, Rick Townsend, Terri Seal and husband Bill, Lisa Gemeinhardt and husband Chad, Sarah Lark and husband Brian. Three great grandchildren: Christina Townsend, Josh Townsend and Alex Townsend. He is also survived by his youngest brother Don Blackburn and his wife Jessie, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews who all attended his 100th birthday in May. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. The family would like to thank the Hendrick House Calls nurses for their care as well as Hendrick Hospice Center. Visitation will be Sunday, November 24 at 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Services will be held on Monday, November 25 at 2:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel with Chris McCurley officiating. Burial will follow in Potosi Cemetery.