H. Ross Blackburn

Blackburn, H. Ross, 87, Richland Township, died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on July 20, 2014, at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.  Born September 16, 1926, in Johnstown, son of Thomas and Arminta (Saylor) Blackburn.  Preceded in death by parents and wife of 54 years, Janet (Baumgardner). Survived by children: Brian Ross, married to Delores (Morbit), and Lori, married to Rick Wagner, all of Richland.  Also survived by his grandchildren: Adrienne (Wagner) Ober, Johnstown; Alison (Wagner), married to John F. Phillips, Leesburg, VA; Brian Paul Blackburn, married to Neda (Khalili), Cheltenham, England; Richard J. Wagner, married to Ashley (Williams), New Paris; and Natalie D. Blackburn, Pittsburgh. Also survived by great-grandchildren, Alexander and Elliott Blackburn; Alexis and Addison Wagner; and Jack and Lily Phillips. Also survived by sister, Marilyn Boyer, Holland, PA; brother, Daniel Blackburn, married to Linda, Ridgely, WV; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Also survived by special lady friend, Beryl Dunmyer.Ross devoted himself to the love and care of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and many others.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired as a General Foreman of Bethlehem Steel Corp., Franklin Mills, with 32 proud years of service.  Ross was a lifelong member of Elton Zion United Methodist Church. Friends received from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at Harris Funeral Home Inc., 500 Cherry Lane, Richland.  Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Elton Zion United Methodist Church, the Rev. Daryl Penrod.  Interment, Richland Cemetery.  If friends so desire, sympathy may be expressed in donations to Elton Zion United Methodist Church, 1086 Mt. Airy Dr., Elton, PA 15934,  in memory of Ross Blackburn. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)