Charles Blackman, 85, Handyman, golfer and bowler
Charles E. Blackman, 85, of River Forest, died at his home on Feb. 12, 2009. Born in Kirkwood, Mo. on Feb. 10, 1924 to Hays and Mary Elizabeth Blackman, he was raised in Beaumont, Texas, where he graduated from Beaumont High School. He served five years in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a 1st Class machinist mate.
Mr. Blackman was employed with Kraft Foods for 35 years until his retirement in 1984. He was a 62-year resident of River Forest. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and going to the fitness center at Gottlieb Hospital.
A great handyman, he was always willing to help out family and friends who needed help fixing anything and everything that needed fixing. An active grandpa, he loved to wrestle with his grandsons, even into his 70s.
Charles Blackman is survived by his wife, Corinne A. (nee Stoll); his children, Charles E. Jr. (Luanne Ellison), Mark (Jane), Nancy (Stephen) Lukasik; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joan Mary Blackman.
Visitation was held Feb. 16 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 17 at St. Luke Church, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Misericordia, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago 60660, are appreciated.
Memorial service for John Armour
A memorial service in celebration of the life of John W. Armour, 93, of Oak Park, a longtime park district employee at Ridgeland Common, will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake. Refreshments will be served afterwards at an informal reception.
