George Blackburn

George Blackburn, age 71, of Newark, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 at St. Ann’s Hospital in Columbus. George was born August 1, 1952 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Harold George Blackburn and the late Nellie Belle (Barcus) Blackburn Sharrow.

A veteran of the United States Navy, George faithfully served his country during the Vietnam War. During his career he was a mechanic, truck driver, and worked in the oil fields. He was employed with Buckeye Ready Mix, GI Asphalt, and Dowell. George was known to be able to fix anything. He loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and enjoyed building motorcycles as well as working on cars. He never knew a stranger and had many friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline Jo “Winkie” (Grove) Blackburn, whom he married June 18, 1994; thee daughters, Rebecca (Russell) Sparks of Johnstown, Jennifer Musgrave (Tim Conely) of Utica, and Tammy (Bruce) Sayre of Johnstown; grandchildren, Ryan Sparks (fiancée Jordan Grube), Reece Sparks (Hunter Martin), Rylee Sparks, Jorgia Musgrave, Daniel Musgrave, Shyann (Brooke) Summers, and Ashley Jackson; great-granddaughter, Serenity Sparks; sister, Debra Luther of Utica; and brothers, Danny (Linda) Moore of Newark and Gerald (Rose) Blackburn of Georgia; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Boogie and Frankie.

Please join the family as they remember and celebrate the amazing life of George from 12-4 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the American Legion Post #85 located at 85 South 6th Street in Newark.

If you are able, please bring a covered dish to share. George touched so many lives and was always able to provide a laugh, regardless of the situation. Let’s enjoy those times. He wouldn’t want anyone to sit around mourning him but instead send him out with laughter and gratefulness for the blessing he was to everyone.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for George and his family.