Odie Lee Blackburn

Odie Lee Blackburn, age 86 of Fairborn, passed away Friday September 22, 2023 at Hospice of Dayton.  He was born April 23, 1937 in Calf Creek, KY, the son of the late Thomas and Lillie (Graham) Blackburn.  

Odie enlisted in the United States Air Force on active duty in 1955 and followed with service in the Air National Guard and concluded with service in the Air Force Reserves, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant.  Concurrent with his guard and reserve service he was employed in civil service at Wright-Patterson AFB as an electronics technician and retired in 1997 after over 40 years of combined federal service. 

He was a longtime member of Maple Avenue Church of God where he actively participated in many church functions.  Other memberships included being a member of the F.O.P. Ohio State Lodge and American Legion Dignam-Whitmore Post 526.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Watts; and a nephew, Mike Heck.  Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Loretta; three sons, Thomas Blackburn of Fairborn, David (Michelle) Blackburn of Colorado, Robert Blackburn of Fairborn; two granddaughters, Greta and Saoirse; and two whom he loved as grandchildren, Allyson and Frank; a niece, Stacey Ludlam; as well as other extended family, his church family, and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday September 26, 2023 at 12:00 noon at the Maple Avenue Church of God, 1352 S. Maple Ave., Fairborn, Pastor James Clayton officiating.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church.  A graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday September 27, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at the Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 West Third St., Dayton, Bill Jones officiating.

Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn.     

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