Ralph Blackburn

Hastings resident, Ralph D. Blackburn, 103, of The Kensington, died Thursday, July 19, 2007 at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital.

Burial Office will be Tuesday, July 24, 2007; 11:30 A.M. at Saint Mark's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral with Rev. Tom Jones officiating. Committal will be in All Souls Chapel, Saint Mark's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Saint Mark's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral or the Elks Club.

Mr. Blackburn was born January 10, 1904 in Harlan County, near Wilcox, Nebraska to Fred & Agnes (Samson) Blackburn. He graduated from Wilcox High School and moved to Norman, Nebraska in 1922 and farmed with his father. He came to Hastings in 1940 and served in the United States Army during WWII from August 4, 1942 until April 9, 1943. After joining his brother Everett "Brownie" Blackburn in business, Ralph retired in 1992 following a lengthy career as owner / operator of Hastings Motor Truck Co. He married Viola Keast in 1982 and she preceded him in death in 1985. -

He was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral and the Elks Club.

Mr. Blackburn was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include:
Sister: Nina Holt Jensen - Hastings, NE
Steps Daughters & Spouses: Sally & Jim Schmitt - Hastings, NE
Judy & Bob Finnigsmier - Hastings, NE
Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and grandchildren.