Dean Blackburn
Godfrey | Save
Rev. Harold "Dean" Blackburn, 84, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Alton Memorial Hospital.
Dean was born August 9, 1942 in Fairfield, IL, the son of William Cyrus and Opal Viola (Finley) Blackburn.
He had served as a minister in the Illinois Great River Conference of the United Methodist Church for 65 years, which included assignments in several of the local churches.
On September 1, 1963 in Fairfield, IL he married Nancey Carla Francis. She died May 25, 2019.
Surviving are a son, John M. Blackburn of Glen Carbon; daughter, Angela (David) Sarandis of Alton; two grandchildren, Connor McLaughlin (Ali Kossman), Nolan McLaughlin; two step-grandchildren, Chris (Sarah) Sarandis, John (Kaitlyn) Sarandis; step great grandchildren, Derek Sarandis, Elijah Wallace, Evangeline Wallace, Elliot Wallace, Penny Sarandis, Rebecca Sarandis, Jonah Sarandis, and Cinder Kossman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles Ray Blackburn; and a sister, Norma Tucker.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 11 am until time of service at 12 pm, Saturday, August 22 at 1st United Methodist Church in East Alton. Pastor Edward Granadosin will officiate.
Interment will be in Shewsbury Cemetery in Fairfield.
Memorials are suggested to 1st United Methodist Church in East Alton or P.A.S.B.F.
Marks Mortuary in Wood River entrusted with arrangements.
Mark's Mortuary
