(Francis) Ross Blackmer
TELFORD (Francis) Ross Blackmer, age 86 of Telford, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2015.
Born in Danbury, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Victor A. and Mildred Blackmer. He was preceded in passing by his sister, Eleanor and two brothers, Robert and Victor Jr.
He graduated from the University of Connecticut, College of Pharmacy in 1952. He then served in the Army for two years. In 1962, he graduated from The Andover Newton Theological Seminary, and served as a pastor for the United Church of Christ for twelve years. After returning to pharmacy as a career, he continued in his service to God by being actively involved in new church starts, community mission work and outreach to the un-churched. He joined the Lutheran Church 20 years ago. He retired from Walgreens at the age of 65. Having a passion for God’s creation and our national parks, he and his wife Trudy camped (RV) and worked at many of our national parks and national forest campgrounds during the summers, until 2007. Smokemont campground was one of his favorites. Living Waters Lutheran church, primarily Cherokee Indian membership, was their church family during those summers. Their love for the Appalachian area inspired them to move from Florida to Jonesborough in 2005.
He was an active member at Our Saviour Lutheran Church of Johnson City, TN for ten years. Active in the Lord’s service, he regularly served at the Melting Pot, lead a book study at the Church and a bible study during Men’s breakfast , served on various committees, attended Primetimers, Family night dinners and late night softball games.
He was active in the Jonesborough Storytelling Guild and the senior center bridge club.
Survivors include: his wife of 62 yrs., Gertrude (Trudy) Blackmer, his children; a daughter, Patricia (Ellis) McCormack of Jonesborough; a son, Mark (Joan) Blackmer of Johnson City, eight grandchildren; Eric (Patti) Taylor, Nicole (Sam) Roland and Jordan Blackmer of Cape Coral ,FL; grandson Alexander Blackmer and granddaughter Erica (Ross) Dalton Johnson City, TN, Hugh Swain (Kim Robertson) of AZ, Patti (Tom) Hicks and Carol Gilliam of TX, fifteen great grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters,; four nephews, Glenn and Corbin Armstrong of MA; Greg and Gary Corna of CT; three nieces, Pamela (Randy) Rogus and Karen Blackmer of GA, and Daele Corna of CT; and Sister-in-law, Elizabeth Corna of CT.
The Family respectfully invites you to attend,
A Celebration of Life Service
To be held at
Our Savior Lutheran Church
212 Sunset Dr., Johnson City, TN 37604
On Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 1PM
In memory of Ross’s well-earned nickname Cookie Monster, a reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall featuring cookies and ice cream. Let’s celebrate and thank God for receiving our loved one to His Eternal Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
Our Savior Lutheran Church Memorial Fund
In memory of (Francis) Ross Blackmer.