Clyde Ernie Blakeburn

OBITUARY Clyde “Ernie” Blakeburn of St. Clair, MO departed this life on Friday, February 3, 2023, having reached the age of sixty-three years, five months, and twenty-one days. Clyde was born in Granite City, IL on August 13, 1959, the son of James Fredrick Blakeburn and Evelyn Velma Blakeburn nee Rodgers. As a young man, he was united in marriage and blessed to have two children. Clyde is survived by his sons, Chad Blakeburn and Eric Blakeburn, both of St. Clair, MO; by his siblings, James “Audie” Blakeburn of Collinsville, IL, Joan Soehlke of Sullivan, MO, Linda Ogle and husband, Robert, of Collinsville, IL, Nola Blakeburn of Salt Lake City, UT, Terry Carmen of Vancleave, MS, and Rhonda Pierce and husband, Paul, of Brownstown, IL; by his former wife, Susan Baker and husband Dr. Tim Baker of Washington, MO; by his nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends; including his best friend, David Hallemann of New Haven, MO. Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, James and Evelyn Blakeburn; by his brother, Glen Blakeburn; and by his brothers-in-law, Leonard “Big Al” Soehlke, Robert Carmen, and Carl “Buzz” Cory Jr. Clyde was an overall Secular, Spiritual person later in life, but was raised in the Baptist faith. He most recently worked at DynaQuip Control Corporation, in St. Clair, MO for a little more than 5 years until 1998 before his health brought him to an early retirement. He loved collecting many things, especially anything to do with cars. A few things from his collection that held a special place would be his Ford Mustang Mach 1 and several of his Mercury Cougars. Clyde enjoyed working on and restoring his cars as well as machining anything he could imagine. What meant most to him was time spent with his family and his cats. The love they shared and the many precious memories they created will forever be cherished by them all. A kind and loving father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great and great-great-uncle, cousin, and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him and loved him. A private committal will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Franklin County Humane Society. The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO.

Clyde Ernie Blakeburn

August 13, 1959 - February 3, 2023