R. Joe Blackburn

R. Joe Blackburn, 69, passed away at 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at The Maples in Goshen, following a five month battle with brain cancer He was born February 6, 1946, in Rochester, to James and Wilma (Richey) Blackburn. On June 19, 1965, he married Diana Poehlman, who survives; they later separated and divorced. On January 6, 1979, he married Ruth Yoder, who survives. Also surviving are his son, Mark (Nicole Bortnick) Blackburn of Chicago; his two daughters, Kristin Blackburn of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Michelle (Adam) Van Wagner of Fort Wayne; his four grandchildren, Ethan Van Wagner, Sam Bailey, Zoe Bailey, and Ella Van Wagner; his mother, Wilma Blackburn of Milford and his sister, Susan Blackburn of Warsaw. He was preceded in death by his father, James Cooper Blackburn, his brother, Jimmie Blackburn, and his sister, Sandra Walter. Joe grew up in Niles, Michigan, and was a 1964 graduate of Niles High School. He attended Western Michigan University where he graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He earned his CPA certification in 1976. He was employed by Associates Corporation of North America, Coopers and Lybrand, and Centurion Fire & Safety Equipment Corporation prior to his 37 years of employment at Smoker Craft in New Paris. Joe served as the Executive Vice-President and CFO of Smoker Craft, Starcraft Marine, Smock, and EarthWay Products. As Secretary of the Board of Directors, he was a valued advisor to the Schrock family. He also worked for the late Harold A. Schrock at his other businesses including Goshen Sash & Door, Ivy Terrace and Goshen Iron and Metal. Joe oversaw the financial and human resource functions at each of the companies. He led his departments and influenced the culture of the organizations with his sense of humor, as well as his consistently fair, kind and generous nature. He was highly regarded as not only a manager, but a valued mentor and friend to all. Joe was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in New Paris, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, Indiana CPA Society, Michiana Chapter of Financial Executives International, and a participant in the McGladrey CFO Roundtable. Joe was a respected business man, a devoted husband, an attentive father, a fun grandpa, and a lover of animals. He was blessed with a quick wit that brought smiles and laughter to many. He enjoyed people and was always eager to strike up a conversation with whomever he met. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, but he also dearly loved his work family at Smoker Craft. Joe enjoyed traveling (especially to Hawaii and the Caribbean); he loved the power and serenity of the ocean. He loved to be outdoors, even in the midst of a storm. He was an avid walker/runner, only missing one day of his 3-3/4 mile goal per day in 24 years. He enjoyed airplanes, Jimmy Buffet music, sunsets on the beach, playing cards, fresh seafood, and a good glass of wine. Joe was especially grateful for the local doctors, nurses, and staff that gave him such compassionate care at IU Health Goshen Center for Cancer Care, at the 2 North floor in IU Health Goshen Hospital, and at The Maples in Waterford Crossing. A special thank you also to the Harbor Light Hospice staff. Friends may call Friday, March 27, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home and one hour prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, March 28, at the New Paris Missionary Church. Burial will follow in New Paris Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Brain Tumor Association or Riley Children's Foundation.