June 16, 1944 – September 12, 2015

Ralph Edward Blackburn, Sr., 71, passed away September 12, 2015 at the NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Mo.

Ralph was born on June 16, 1944, in Fayetteville, Ark., to William Charles Blackburn and Dessie C. (Balcom) Blackburn. He had lived in Kenefic, Okla., for many years.

Ralph served his country in the United States Navy. He worked for the Lake City Ammunitions Plant for a number of years. Later, he hauled hazardous materials as a truck driver starting out with Kaw Transport Company before retiring from Celadon Trucking in 2006.

Ralph raised registered cattle, loved his ranch and his animals and especially loved his dogs.

He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Tishomingo, Okla.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, William Charles Blackburn and Emmit Napier, a grandson, Jeffrey Alan Good, and a granddaughter, Lori J. O’Dell.

Ralph married Miriam Wyse in 1970 and she preceded him in death in 2006. Of this union he is survived by five sons, Ralph E. Blackburn (Linda) of Liberty, Mo., Ralph D. Good (Deb) of Excelsior Springs, Mo., Billy G. Good, Jr. (Fathom) of Adrian, Mo., Scott C. Good (Karen) of Nixa, Mo., and Eric W. Good (Barbie) of Raymore, Mo.; three daughters, Patricia L. O’Dell and Debra G. Clark, both of Orrick, Mo., and Jenny Shumaker of Waterford, Mich.; three brothers, Elmer Blackburn (Agnes) and James Blackburn (Carol), all of Tishomingo, Okla., and Howard Blackburn (Twyla) of Webb City, Mo.; sister, Mary Blackburn-Freeman (David) of Carthage, Mo.; 17 grandsons, 13 granddaughters and five great grandchildren; his first wife and lifelong friend, Virginia Riley of Independence, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. at the Gowing Chapel with Cremation to follow services.

Condolences

Condolences to the family from Ralph’s Navy friend.
David and Irene Eastwood

What a sweet man. I knew Ralph from Church. He was always giving of hugs and compliments. You will be missed friend. To his family, feel God’s presence as He helps you through the days ahead.
Nancy Spencer