Richard W Blackburn

Mount Morris, IL, Richard “Rick” Blackburn, passed away after a long fight with COPD on February 18, 2025, in Pinecrest Manor, Mount Morris, IL.  Rick was born on August 8, 1950, in Dixon, IL.

Rick served in the Army Military Branch from 1968-1969, in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and in Fort Dix, New Jersey, specializing in Heavy Equipment.

Rick started out his working years on a farm and then became a long-distance Truck Driver.  One of his most proud runs were his trips to Budweiser in St. Louis, MO, when he drove for Binkley’s Trucking. He also hauled ammunition on his return trips. Rick hauled cattle for Larry Schier Trucking, later owning his own semi. Rick’s CB Handle was “WISHBONE.” His driving skills set him apart as a great trucker.

Rick’s favorite past-times were spent in many coffee shops, telling stories and jokes with the locals.  Spending time at the Byron Raceway. Rick also spent many years showing his antique trucks and cars with his wife Barbara and their daughter Susan, bringing many trophies home throughout the years.

Rick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara (Warnken) Blackburn, their Granddaughter Sarah Blackburn, both of Mount Morris, his sister Brenda King, Sister-in-laws: Joyce (Craig) Aska, Laura (Rick) Heath, Gail Warnken, Kathy (Glen) Estrada, Liz (Marcel)Hutchison, Brother-in-law Randy (Sheila) Warnken and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great-nephews.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents Harold (Barbara) Blackburn of Rock Falls, IL, Daughter Susan Blackburn, In-Laws Ernest (Betty) Warnken Jr., Brother-in-laws Ted Warnken and Nick Scholl and niece Angie Shuman.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Finch Funeral Home, 405 E Hitt St., Mount Morris, IL.  Visitation from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., memorial service at 2:30 p.m., followed by lunch at the Dogwood Inn Restaurant, 2452 IL-26, Polo, IL.

In Lieu of flowers memorials to be established.