Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Saturday

January 5, 2013

Jack Eugene Blacklock

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ELBERTA — Jack Eugene Blacklock, 89, of Elberta, died Dec. 29, 2012, at the veterans hospital in Grand Rapids. Jack was born the son of Allen and Donna Blacklock, in Elberta, and spent most of his life living in the area.

Growing up he had a fun childhood playing on the bluffs and the beach. He told about shoveling coal for his Grandpa Luxford for 25 cents a ton, and on school delivery days he was able to skip school.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 19, serving during World War II in the South Pacific. He was wounded when his ship was attacked and later received the Purple Heart.

Back in Elberta, Jack was employed through the years as a fireman at the Ann Arbor Railroad, operated the family restaurant, Elberta's Postmaster and Chief Purser on the Ann Arbor car ferries.

He was very dedicated to the Elberta Community and had many lifelong friends.

Jack enjoyed working for Traverse City Area Agency on Aging helping seniors get back into the work force. When Jack served as District Governor for the Lions International he started several new clubs in the area. Jack was a 32 degree Mason, and in 2007 he received his 60-year pin.

In 1988 Jack retired and moved with his wife, Blanche, to Tucson, Ariz., where they lived for 16 years. He was very involved with the park activities. One of the highlights of his life was producing and performing in the musical stage shows. He loved to sing and was in the chorus.

Jack always had a smile on his face and loved to tease.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Charles and Tom.

He is survived by his wife, Blanche; sister, Joan Zatkovic; daughter, Allyn Kay Schaefer; son, Thomas Blacklock; stepdaughters, Denise Strom (Randy Favreau) and Sharon Weckle (DeMark); stepson, Wayne (Marilee) Strom; grandchildren, Julie, Jackie, Thomas, Allyn Kay, Nicole, Alisa, Taylor, Jade, Brent, Ryan, Jason, Christopher and Madison; and several great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Elberta United Methodist Church, with Barb Fay officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the spring at Gilmore Twp. Cemetery.

Contributions may be directed to the Lions Club.

Arrangements are by Jowett Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Service.

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