Jerry Blackburn

Jerry was born May 20, 1944 in Oakland, CA. When he was a young boy he moved to Hanford. Jerry graduated from Hanford High School in 1962 and he immediately joined the military serving four years in the United States Navy. He met his loving wife, Glennelle Bruce, the summer of 1964. They married June 18, 1965 and recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Jerry started his career with Pirelli Tires, formerly Armstrong Tires, where he worked for more than thirty years. Jerry and Glennelle built their life in Hanford with their four children. Upon retiring from Pirelli Tires he worked at various jobs until settling down at International Paper. He eventually retired from International Paper to spend time with his wife and grandchildren.

He enjoyed immensely going to meet his buddies for a round of golf. He enjoyed traveling to the beach or the mountains with his wife in their motorhome. He loved to sit out in his backyard having a cup of coffee in the morning listening to the oldies but goodies and classic country. He loved taking his dogs Molly, Gidget, Maddie, and Moochie for walks.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father Luther Blackburn, his mother Juanita Blackburn, His brothers Jimmie and Paul Blackburn, Sister June Barger and his dog Maggie, which was held very dear to his heart.

There are so many precious memories that will be cherished by his wife and family. He is survived by his wife Glennelle, his children Jerry and wife Barbara , Dawn and husband Greg, Karin, and Kevin; his grandchildren Amber, Katie and husband Matt, Ali, Joseph, Amanda, Joshua, Dalton, Kayce, Brooke, his great grandchild, Greyson, and his sisters Janet Oldham and Jane Laqua.

Jerry was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008 which he fought courageously. In his final days he reassured his family with this saying “I have had a good run” and “Lived a good life”. Jerry was surrounded by his family to share a final moment in peace with him. While his family all held hands Jerry’s nephew Jeff Barger lead them in a precious prayer, a memory the whole family will hold very dear to their hearts.

All that knew Jerry and loved him, are invited to share your stories on Saturday, June 27,2015 @ 10:00 a.m. @ Grace Bible Church, 707 W. Fargo Avenue, Hanford, CA on the corner of 11th and Fargo to reflect on the life of Jerry Blackburn, celebrate his memory and the life he created and lived.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for you to donate to the Prostate Cancer Foundation @www.pcf.org or any research organization of your choice.

“You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live” Author Stuart Scott

Family and Friends may visit www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com to send condolences to the family.