Carl Blackburn

Carl Arthur Blackburn, age 95, of Overland Park, Kansas, was welcomed into the presence of his loving Lord on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Carl was born to Chester and Angeline Blackburn on May 18, 1923 in a small rural area near Ghent, Ohio; he was the third of five children. In his lifetime, Carl served as a Merchant Marine, a Missionary to Congo (Africa), a Professor at two Bible Colleges and Pastored several Churches. He leaves a legacy of faith by which untold thousands of individuals were spiritually influenced by his example of faithfulness to God and His Word and by his burden for lost souls, especially for those in foreign lands. He served in Christian ministry for 46 years. After "retirement" from ministry, Carl served for 15 years as a driver/assistant funeral director in Kansas City. As a gifted Bible teacher, He continued to lead Bible studies in his early 90's, ceasing only due to poor eyesight.

Next to his devotion to Christ, Carl adored his wife, 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 25 great­ grandchildren. He was married to Barbara Ann (Ormeroid) Blackburn for nearly 70 years. Together they had four girls and one boy - - Ruth Lowe, Mary Ann McCullough, Martha {husband, Jeff) Rudd, Becky (husband, Bill) Blake, and one son, John (wife, Beth) Blackburn.

Carl was a published author, exceptional storyteller and humorist, a lover of cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles (he owned 3 prior to marriage) and a natural musician (piano, saxophone, accordion player and vocalist).

A Memorial Service in his honor will be held at Journey Bible Church {formerly, Olathe Bible Church) on December 28, 2018 at 11:00am (Visitation at the same location prior to service from 9:30 to 11:00am) Committal service and burial will be in Leavenworth, KS at the Leavenworth National Cemetery at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Missions Ministries of either Journey Bible Church, 13700 151st St, Olathe, KS 66062 or Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219 are appreciated.