Quinton Geruard Blackburn, 92, of Springfield, Idaho passed away Thursday, June 12, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Quinton was born July 22, 1921 in Springfield, Idaho to Dewey Earl Blackburn and Valine Ellen Gutting. He spent his lifetime in Springfield, other than the time he spent in the Military.
He attended school in Springfield and at Thomas High School. He then went on to get an Associates Degree in Accounting from the University of Idaho Southern Branch. He enlisted, even though he could have deferred, and served his country in WWII in the United States Army Infantry. He spent most of his time in Germany. Quinton was wounded twice and has two purple hearts.
On December 23, 1942 Quinton married Velda Mae McKnight in Moreland, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on May 4, 1944. Together they had seven sons: Terrell, Brent, Kevin, Varon, Chad, Parker and Joel.
Quinton was a dairy farmer, sold mutual funds and was the first one to bring windshield welding to this area 25 years ago. He was known as the Window Welder. In his free time he enjoyed reading scripture and church publications, taking long rides with Velda, playing the harmonica and dancing. He was a boxer during his high school and college years winning several trophies. He raised and enjoyed horses, but his greatest joy was being with his family.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served as a counselor in the bishopric three different times. He loved singing in the Ward Choir.
He played with the “Harmoneers”, a group of harmonica players and one piano player. He was a member and president of the Springfield Townsite Water District.
Quinton is survived by his sons: Brent Reed Blackburn of Angleton, Texas; Kevin M (Connie) Blackburn of Kingston, Tennessee; Varon Quinton (Verena) Blackburn of Idaho Fall, Idaho; Parker M (Diana) Blackburn of Blue Springs, Missouri; and Joel M (Botswana) Blackburn of Columbia, Missouri; sisters: Nada Shellhammer of Woodland, California and Ruth Gneiting of Sterling, Idaho; 27 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter. also surviving are two daughters in law, Marlene Rounds, Idaho Falls and June Thomas of Bountiful, UT.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Velda; his parents, Dewey and Valine Blackburn; sons, Terrell M Blackburn and Chad M Blackburn; brothers, Daniel “Red” Blackburn and Martin Blackburn; sisters, Patricia Lea and Elaine Fotheringham; infant sister, Geraldine and a grandson, Terrell Cole Blackburn.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at the Lakeview LDS Church, 800 S. 2120 W. in Springfield, with Bishop Layne Harker conducting. Family will meet with friends and relatives from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 South Shilling Avenue in Blackfoot and for one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will follow services at the Moreland Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hawkerfuneralhome.com.
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