Ace J. Blackburn
December 20, 1933 — April 24, 2024
Ace J. Blackburn Sr., age 90, went to be with our Lord on April 24, 2024.
Ace was born to George and Mary Blackburn on December 20, 1933 in Peoria, IL. He grew up and was educated in Peoria, including his time at Dunlap High School where he was a three-sport athlete- participating in football and baseball, but his passion was basketball. Ace was a standout player on the team as an ambidextrous shooter and high scorer, who was frequently featured in the local newspaper for his talent.
Ace’s post-secondary degree was earned from Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where he was enrolled in the ROTC program. After college, he served as an Army Ranger from 1955 to 1957 and was stationed in Korea, where he achieved the rank of first lieutenant.
He earned his Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) degree from The American College of Financial Services in Washington, DC in October of 1984. Ace also held multiple designations, including CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) and ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant).
In 1954 Ace and Janet (Willis) married and soon welcomed three wonderful children into the family- Ace Jr., Janille, and Tad. Sadly, Janet went to be with our Lord in 1984.
In 1985 Ace moved to Florida after he transferred with Aetna. Ace and Charlene met soon after his transfer while working in the same office. Ace had a long and successful career with Aetna spanning 36 years before retiring in the mid ‘90s.
Charlene and Ace married in 1991 and spent 33 wonderful years traveling, laughing and serving the Lord together. Both spent thirty-eight years worshiping and 20 years singing in the choir together at Seacrest Presbyterian Church, where Ace also served as an Elder. After retirement, the two enjoyed traveling throughout the US.
Their greatest joys were their children and families. Ace is survived by his loving wife, Charlene, sons Ace Jr., (Lesha) and Tad (Amy) and his daughter, Janille Eggert (Glen) and Charlene’s children- Dave Hepler (Joy), Frank Hepler (Heidi), and John Hepler (Kendall) along with 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Ace was predeceased by his brother, George Blackburn, and his grandsons, Alex and Clayton Blackburn, and step daughter, Patty Hepler.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to one of the following, which were both dear to Ace- Seacrest Presbyterian Church, 2703 N. Seacrest Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33444 or Ridge Haven Camp: 215 Ridge Haven Rd., Brevard, NC 28712 or https://www.ridgehaven.org/donations
A memorial service celebrating Ace’s life will be held on May 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Seacrest Presbyterian Church, 2703 N. Seacrest Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Please join us for a reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
Ace was born to George and Mary Blackburn on December 20, 1933 in Peoria, IL. He grew up and was educated in Peoria, including his time at Dunlap High School where he was a three-sport athlete- participating in football and baseball, but his passion was basketball. Ace was a standout player on the team as an ambidextrous shooter and high scorer, who was frequently featured in the local newspaper for his talent.
Ace’s post-secondary degree was earned from Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where he was enrolled in the ROTC program. After college, he served as an Army Ranger from 1955 to 1957 and was stationed in Korea, where he achieved the rank of first lieutenant.
He earned his Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) degree from The American College of Financial Services in Washington, DC in October of 1984. Ace also held multiple designations, including CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) and ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant).
In 1954 Ace and Janet (Willis) married and soon welcomed three wonderful children into the family- Ace Jr., Janille, and Tad. Sadly, Janet went to be with our Lord in 1984.
In 1985 Ace moved to Florida after he transferred with Aetna. Ace and Charlene met soon after his transfer while working in the same office. Ace had a long and successful career with Aetna spanning 36 years before retiring in the mid ‘90s.
Charlene and Ace married in 1991 and spent 33 wonderful years traveling, laughing and serving the Lord together. Both spent thirty-eight years worshiping and 20 years singing in the choir together at Seacrest Presbyterian Church, where Ace also served as an Elder. After retirement, the two enjoyed traveling throughout the US.
Their greatest joys were their children and families. Ace is survived by his loving wife, Charlene, sons Ace Jr., (Lesha) and Tad (Amy) and his daughter, Janille Eggert (Glen) and Charlene’s children- Dave Hepler (Joy), Frank Hepler (Heidi), and John Hepler (Kendall) along with 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Ace was predeceased by his brother, George Blackburn, and his grandsons, Alex and Clayton Blackburn, and step daughter, Patty Hepler.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to one of the following, which were both dear to Ace- Seacrest Presbyterian Church, 2703 N. Seacrest Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33444 or Ridge Haven Camp: 215 Ridge Haven Rd., Brevard, NC 28712 or https://www.ridgehaven.org/donations
A memorial service celebrating Ace’s life will be held on May 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Seacrest Presbyterian Church, 2703 N. Seacrest Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33444. Please join us for a reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
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