Charles E. Blackburn, 82, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed away Monday, August 27, 2018 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Charles was born August 12, 1936, in Holdrege, Nebraska to Hilga and Ellis Blackburn.
Charles married Lyla Casper on December 23, 1956 in Hildreth, Nebraska. Charles graduated from Kearney State College (KSC), Kearney, Nebraska with a teaching degree. During his Air Force career he attended the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, receiving an Electric Engineering Degree. He later obtained his Master’s Degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
Charles served in the US Air Force retiring in 1988 with 33 years of service, attaining the rank of Colonel. Charles' service took his wife and family to several USAF base assignments, with his last being at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne. After his US Air Force career, Charles was employed with the City of Cheyenne, retiring after 15 years. Charles enjoyed gardening, was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church, Kiwanis, VFW, Air Force Misseleers, and Wyoming Military Officers Association.
Charles is survived by wife, Lyla, of 61 years; children, Allen Blackburn (Gina) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Mark Blackburn of Cheyenne, Teresa Shank (Mike) of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Lisa Johnson (Ray) of Bassett, Virginia; grandchildren, Aja Filbert, Stephanie Shank and Michael Shank; and five great-grandchildren.
Charles was preceded in death by parents, Hilga and Ellis Blackburn; grandson, Charles Blackburn; and siblings, Trudy Bryan and Lois Anderson.
A memory service will be celebrated on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church. His final resting place will be at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska. Cremation is under the care of Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Ascension Lutheran Church, 712 Storey Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82009.
To send flowers to the family of Charles E. Blackburn, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
