Donald Frank Blackburn

Donald Frank Blackburn, 83, passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2018 in Abilene, Texas.  

The son of the late Lily Olene (Bowles) and David St. Elmo Blackburn, Don was born on February 3, 1935 in Amarillo, Texas.  In 1949 his family moved from Amarillo to Abilene where his parents purchased land in the Potosi area where his mother was born and raised.  He started attending Wylie schools in 1949, graduating from Wylie High School in 1953. He was very active in sports, participating in football, basketball and track.  After graduation, he attended Cisco Junior College on a football scholarship and later attended Hardin-Simmons University. 

Following his college years, Don relocated to Amarillo to work for an insurance company and met and married the love of his life, Ella A. Fries.  He enjoyed a 30-year career as an adjuster for Crum & Forster Insurance Company and later claims manager over Plainview, Wichita Falls, and ultimately Abilene to which he returned in 1976.  Later in his career he went into business on his own, operating C & D Claim Service for more than 10 years before retiring.  His professional affiliations included the Fire & Casualty Claims Association and the Claims Managers Association.  Don served as a member of the Wylie School Board for 15 years, service and contributions of which he was very proud.  In 2015 Don was inducted into the Wylie Hall of Honor.  He also served his country in the National Guard.           

Enjoying time with his family was his favorite thing to do.  Don is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ella Blackburn of Potosi; two sons, Randy Alan Blackburn and wife Renee of Danville, Pennsylvania, and David Chase Blackburn and wife Tammy of Shallowater, Texas; daughter Holly Dawn LaFebre and husband Victor of Lubbock; Texas; and five grandchildren, Chase Reid Blackburn, Rylen David Blackburn, Cooper Avery LaFebre, Archer Donald LaFebre and Piper Grey LaFebre.  Survivors also include two sisters, Iona Beth Southall and husband Don of Potosi, and Martha Mae White of Lenoir, North Carolina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.          

Visitation will be 5:00pm to 7:00pm Sunday, December 23, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene.  Funeral services will be at 11:00am Monday, December 24, in The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel with Greg Melton officiating.  Burial will follow in the Potosi Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Don’s name to the Wylie Bulldogs Education Foundation, 6251 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606, or a charity of the donor’s choice.