RAYMOND — Delma (Blackie) Blackburn, 91, of Raymond, Kan., passed away Aug. 10, 2024, at the Sterling Village, Sterling, Kan. He was born Sept. 3, 1932 in Shidler, Okla. to Thomas Jefferson Blackburn and Willie Mae (Lowe) Blackburn. On July 3, 1952, he was united in marriage with Lila Hendricks in Raymond.

Blackie was a lifelong Raymond resident, and a member of the Raymond Baptist Church and the American Legion Post #320 of Ellinwood. Blackie worked in the Kansas oil fields as a pumper, driller, and owner of Ellinwood Tank Service.

He joined the U.S. Army on March 25, 1953 and served until being honorably discharged on March 24, 1955.

Blackie is survived by two daughters, Vicki Caywood of Hutchinson, and Lorie Taylor and husband Victor of Cedarcreek, Mo.; four grandchildren, David Joe Blackburn, Shana Givens and husband Cliff, Jeremy Taylor and wife Melissa, and Joshua Taylor and wife Becca; nine great-grandchildren, Steve Blackburn, Abigail Blackburn, Allison Blackburn, Rylan Birkby, Brynley Taylor, Camila Taylor, Brecken Taylor, Cian Taylor, and Carter Taylor; and two siblings, W.A Blackburn and Gerry Milsap. He is also survived by his nephew, Harold Blackburn, Jr., Sallisaw, Okla. and niece, Ruth Herbel, Marion, both of whom he loved and cared for as if they were his own children following the accidental death of his brother, Harold, in 1955. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son Steve Blackburn; son-in-law, Douglas Caywood; granddaughter; Reannan Kloxin; great-granddaughter, Ellie Taylor; brothers Harold and Otis Blackburn; and sister, Pauline Coldwater.

Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at the Raymond Cemetery, with Pastor Matt Hendricks officiating. Military honors presented by Fort Riley Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Sterling Village Resident fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, 203 N 7th Street, Sterling, KS 67579.

Blackie’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Sterling Village for the compassionate and supportive care provided to him and to Lila. The family is grateful for Gentiva Hospice staff and volunteers who provided comfort focused care to Blackie and Lila at the end of their lives. We also thank David Starkey, MD, and his nursing staff at Hutchinson Clinic for many years of devoted care provided to Blackie and Lila.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Birzer Funeral Home

203 N 7th Street 

Sterling, KS 67579

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 13, 2024