Carlene Blackburn

Funeral services for Carlene Blackburn, 94, Lawrence, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 28, 2022 at Cornerstone Community Church, 2500 O’Connell Road, Lawrence, KS.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Carlene passed away on November 20, 2022 at her home.

Carlene was born on April 12, 1928 in Waldron, AR, the daughter of Ernest C. and Lela Belle (Taylor) Nelson. She married Willie Burl Blackburn.

She worked at Packer Plastics for many years then Aeroquip Corporation for 16 years before retiring from there in 1990.  Carlene was a member of Cornerstone Community Church where she and all her friends would sit together every Sunday while worshiping their Saviour Jesus Christ.

She enjoyed going to the lake, water skiing and family and going to garage sales with her lady friends.

Carlene is survived by one son, Lonnie Blackburn, and wife, Joyce; one daughter, Denise Blackburn, grandson, BJ Blackburn and wife, Hannah; two great granddaughters, Ainsley and Gracie, all of Lawrence; one niece, Tamara Nelson Fultz, Perryville, Arkansas; one nephew, Marty Nelson, Greenwood, Arkansas, which she loved dearly.  She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Winton Ray Nelson and M.C. Nelson and wife, Allene Nelson. 

The family will greet friends beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday prior to the service at the church. Carlene will lie in state at the mortuary from 9:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2022.

Please sign the guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Carlene’s name to the Lawrence Humane Society and Midland Hospice may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

10 Condolences

  1. Rich Hedges on November 22, 2022 at 10:31 am

    Dee Dee, Lonnie and family. My condolences for Carlene’s passing. May your good memories ease the pain.

    My prayers are with you.



  2. Carla Harris on November 22, 2022 at 12:57 pm

    Dee Dee Carlene will be missed
    Hillary stood by the front door to watch her and dog take walks
    It was good to know both of you were close in case we ever needed something
    She was a good person
    You were lucky to have her as mom



  3. Gary Lee Wheeler on November 22, 2022 at 3:29 pm

    Lonnie and DeeDee, so sorry to hear of your mothers passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you



  4. Karen Tyler on November 22, 2022 at 5:51 pm

    Dee dee, so sorry about yur Mom. Yur closeness with her was very special to her, for sure. If yu need anything, let me know.



  5. Bobbie & Jolene Brown on November 22, 2022 at 6:00 pm

    To the Blackburn family.
    Our sympathy to you in this sad time.
    We’ll be thinking about you DeeDee.



  6. Sally Bozarth on November 22, 2022 at 6:21 pm

    DeeDee, you have my deepest sympathy and condolences. May God comfort you, and your entire family during this sad time.



  7. Hillary Johnson on November 23, 2022 at 6:36 am

    DeeDee,

    I’m so sorry. She will be missed. I remember watching her walk the dog, like mom said, but I also remember some funny times too. Like, when she had step outside, the screen door locked behind her and she came down to get me. I never broke into someone else’s house until then, let alone someone’s bedroom I knew. All I remember saying is, “Carlene, the dog isn’t going to bite me right?? She replied, by yelling at the dog, “Now don’t you dare bite her (I wanna say Taz)”. Thankfully, I made it in without getting bit and was able to her in the house, the window put back together, all before you got home. I remember how excited she was to see Calee when she was born. You and your momma have been such a big part of my life. It was always nice to know that I had someone close, if something happened, that I could always count on and same with you all. Rest easy Carlene you lived life to the fullest and left memories that everyone will cherish.

    DeeDee if you need anything please call, we will be there in a heartbeat.



  8. Marty on November 28, 2022 at 1:56 pm

    This isn’t goodbye Aunt Carlene, but simply I’ll see you later.

    I know you’re having an awesome reunion right now. Please tell my Dad, Granny and Pa, that I can’t wait to see you all again.

    Until then I ❤️ you all.



  9. Kathy Petesch on November 29, 2022 at 9:06 pm

    Dee dee I am so sorry to hear this. Loved your Mom, all the people that my Mom Phyllis used to work with are passing away. Makes me so sad. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family.



  10. Wayne and Nancy Othick on November 30, 2022 at 1:48 pm

    Dee and family; we were so sorry to hear of your mothers passing-we always enjoyed her visits when she came to see “Lucy”
    and bringing Taz along for the ride-we know you all will miss her every day! May God bless each of you! Sorry we did not know-covid
    hit us and were in the hospital a few days; we are thinking of you. Love Wayne and Nancy



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