PAMPLIN, Sept. 30 – Edward Russell Blackburn, 85, of Pecan St., Pamplin, died Monday, September 27, 2010, at his residence. He was the husband of Florence Burrows Blackburn. Born in Darlington Heights on November 21, 1924, he was the son of the late Edmond Spencer and Margaret Elizabeth Neely Blackburn.

Mr. Blackburn was a member of Elon Baptist Church and a 32 degree Mason since 1948. He was a 64 year member of Southside Masonic Lodge #191 A.F. & A.M., the Warwick Chapter #80 Royal Arch Masons in Newport News, the Scottish Rite, the Pamplin Chapter Order of Eastern Star #58, and a former member of the Pamplin Town Council. He served in the US Army in World War II and received the Purple Heart. For 32 years, Mr. Blackburn worked all over the United States, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia until his retirement from Chicago Bridge and Iron Co.

In addition to his wife he is survived by six children, Betty Sampson and husband, Herbert of Colfax, NC, Kay Overman and husband, Kenny, and Rebecca West both of Newport News, Patricia Cyr of Pamplin, James Conley of Jessup, MD, and Barbara Ashmead and husband, James of Middletown, DE; ten grandchildren, Herbert Sampson and wife, Lori, Daniel Sampson and wife, Trina, Elizabeth Overman, Aaron West, Kimberley Koprowski and husband, Jason, Damian Ashmead and wife, Mallori, Amanda Ashmead, Brittni Ashmead, Bradley Conley, and Shawn Ashmead; four great-grandchildren and one expected great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by an uncle and aunt, Robert Russell and Grace Jamerson Neely.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 1, in Elon Baptist Church by the Reverends Josh Tompkins and Steve Tyree. Burial will follow in Beale Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday at Elon Baptist Church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Those wishing to make memorials please consider the Elon Baptist Church, PO Box 1238, Pamplin, VA 23958 or Centra Hospice of Farmville, 713 Oak St., Farmville, VA 23901.

Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Appomattox, is serving the family and an online condolence may be sent at www.robinsonfuneral.com