Ronald D. Blackburn

RONALD DEAN BLACKBURN, 67, of Fort Wayne, ended his earthly journey on Sunday June 24, 2012. Born in Springfield, Ill., he attended Purdue University and lived in Huntington Beach, Calif., Des Moines, Iowa, Holland, Mich., and Fort Wayne. He retired from a long career at General Electric and was currently employed at Merkle Korff. He was a faithful member of Trinity English Lutheran Church where he served on several committees. Always an active person, he loved golfing with his many friends, softball and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all of those whose lives he touched. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Susan Ertel Blackburn; son, Michael (Laura) Blackburn of Core, W.Va.; daughter, Stacy (Eric) Anderson of Indianapolis; granddaughters, Grace and Stella Blackburn; sisters, Sharon Davila of Bryan, Texas and Nancy (John) Valimaki of College Station, Texas: half brother, John (Michelle) Blackburn of Delphi, Ind.; half sisters, Deborah (James) DuVall of Idaville, Ind. and Rebecca David of Warsaw; father and mother-in-law, Harry and Rose Ertel of Fort Wayne; brother and sister-in law, Dan and Rosemary Ertel of Fort Wayne; aunts, uncle, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen (Stults) Blackburn, and Dallas W. Blackburn; and stepmother, Lucille Blackburn. Funeral service is 1 p.m. Friday at Trinity English Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior in the Fireside Lounge. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials to Trinity English Lutheran Church or the donor's choice. www.klaehnfahlmelton.com