Gerald B. Blackman

Gerald B. Blackman, 92, of Clarion passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services for Gerald Blackman will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 10:30 AM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East, in Clarion with Mr. Stan Watne officiating.  Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 15, 2013 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East, in Clarion and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home on Tuesday.

Gerald Byron Blackman was born August 26, 1920 in Clarion to Byron Scott and Gladys Irene (Hanson) Blackman.  He was raised on the family farm south of Clarion, and graduated from Clarion High School in 1938.

After graduation, Gerald moved to Gary, Indiana where he worked in a steel mill, until he enlisted in the United States Navy on August 31, 1942 and his pre-flight training began on November 7, 1942 in Iowa City.  During his military career, he was a pilot, flying both the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair fighter planes during World War II.  Following the war, Gerald remained in the Naval Reserves until retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Gerald was united in marriage to Bernice McPeak on February 22, 1947 and to this union, five children were born.

Gerald enjoyed flying, attending auctions, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Bernice Blackman of Clarion; children Harvey Blackman of Polk City, Lyle (Shirley) Blackman of Windsor Heights, Shirley Vanni of Granger, Jerry (Janet) Blackman of Clarion, and Bonnalee (Bill) Hocraffer of Bonner Springs, Kansas; grandchildren Bryant (Amanda) Blackman, Andrea Blackman, Conrad Sandahl, Stescey (Ron) Blum, Jesse (Natchaya) Blackman, Karl Blackman, Kelly Blackman, Ryan (Penni) Blackman, Rodney Blackman, Troy Vanni, Tyler Vanni, Brian Vanni, Travis (Christine) Hocraffer, Tricia (Kurtis) Goone; great-grandchildren Evan Blackman, Gabriella and Gillian Gaffney, Brice Sandahl, Jayce and Nevaeh Halfpop, Charlye James, Chaiya and Kiana Blackman, Stella and Nolan Blackman, Caitlyn and Tristin Hocraffer, and Anabelle and Karson Goone; sisters Margery Fasel of Valparaiso, Indiana and Luella Brotherton of Fallbrook, California; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, sister Phyllis Wald and brother Dennis Blackman.

The family suggests that memorial gifts may be directed to Wright County Public Health.