BENTON — William Thomas (Tom) Blackburn,

89, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 22, 2021, surrounded by the love of his family. Tom is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Gail McWilliams Blackburn, and his son, Thomas Paul Blackburn (Freida). He was a very special Gramps to his grandchildren, Lauren Blackburn Harter (Jason), Megan Blackburn Cole (Jason); great-grandchildren, Owen Thomas Harter and soon-to-arrive Callan Elliott Cole.

Tom was born January 22, 1932, to Lloyd Lee and Essie Lois Senter Blackburn in Clarksville, Ark., Johnson County. He graduated from Clarksville High School in 1951 and attended the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville. Tom retired from St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center after 32 years as the Director of Laundry and Linen Services. After his retirement, Tom became very interested in genealogical research and was a charter member of the Saline County Historical Society. When he wasn’t researching, he could be found out on his tractor mowing and gardening. Tom was a member of First Baptist Church, Benton, Ark., where he was an active member of the Adult 6 Sunday School Class.

A graveside service for family will be held at 11 a.m., on November 24, 2021, at New Rosemont Cemetery in Benton, Ark., with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. Phone calls in lieu of visits at the family home would be appreciated. The family requests that any visitors follow CDC guidelines and social distancing and be prepared to wear a mask to protect family members who cannot be vaccinated at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the building fund at First Baptist Church or to The CARTI Foundation. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com