Raymond Blackson

RAYMOND C. BLACKSON IDAHO FALLS, ID - Raymond C. Blackson, 77, of Idaho Falls, ID died May 27, 2003, at his home due to a lingering illness. He was the first child born to Raymond Cameron Blackson and Hulda Irene Broski Blackson on December 30, 1925 in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. He spent all of his youth growing up in Vandergrift, until enlisting in the United States Army Air Force in December of 1943. This was just before graduating from Vandergrift High School. He flew in a B-17 airplane as a Tail Gunner for the 8th Air Force during WWII including 21 missions over Germany. Soon after the war, he married his High School sweetheart, Mary Louise Parks in the Presbyterian Church on August 24, 1946. They were able to celebrate their 56th Wedding Anniversary last year. He worked 40 years in the Insurance business, beginning in Erie, Pennsylvania until he moved his family to Southern California in 1961 for 4 years. They then returned to New Castle, Pa. It was there he was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1974 Ray, Mary and their youngest daughter moved West to be closer to their married children. They lived in St. Anthony, Shelley, Rigby and Idaho Falls, where he not only sold insurance, but earned his Real Estate license. Ray and Mary were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple the summer of 1981. He was an active member of the Church and loved the gospel and enjoyed serving in various callings as a High Priest. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping and especially being with his family. His patriotism and great love for his country. was passed on to all of his 3 children, 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Surviving are: Wife: Mary Blackson, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Marsha (Keith) Blanchard, Chester, ID Son: Daniel (Stella) Blackson, Rigby, ID Daughter: Rebecca (Barton) Cooper, American Fork, UT Brother: David (Lois) Blackson, Pittsburgh, PA Sister: Diane (Donald) Dezzutti, Oakmont, PA 16 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Blackson. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m Saturday, May 31, 2003, at the Idaho Falls LDS Mountain View Ward, 1450 Mountain View Lane, with Bishop Kerry Holmgren officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7-8:00 p.m., Friday, May 30, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, and also Saturday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Military rites will be performed by the Jefferson County Veterans Team. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. _______________________ Please fill in the form below, your comments will be forwarded to the family. Name E-mail Address To the family of Comments