George Kanada Blackburn Jr., Age 88, of Indianapolis, passed away on March, 20th, 2013. George was the son of George K. Blackburn Sr. & Edith McCartney Blackburn.

George is a graduate of Tech High School 1943, and Butler University 1949. George served his country during World War II in the United States Army in Europe. He was in the 120th Anti Aircraft Battalion. George was employed by Eli Lilly & Co. where he retired in 1986 as the Labeling & Packaging Editor. George was past President of Indiana Section of Quality Control.

George was a member of the Scottish Rite Cathedral and was a 33rd Degree Mason. The Thirty-third Degree is the highest honor of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. The degree is awarded for outstanding service to Freemasonry or for significant contributions to humanity that reflect credit upon the fraternity. George was one of the 2001 recipients that were chosen from 15 Northeastern and Midwestern states that comprised at that time of 300,000 - members of The Northern Jurisdiction of the United States. George was also a member of the Scottish Rite Chorus for 43 yrs. He was a member of the Lynhurst Masonic Lodge # 723 for over 60 yrs., He was a member of The Amvets Lodge #99, The VFW Post #261 and a past member of the Murat Shrine.

George was a Lifetime Member of the Lilly American Legion Post #374, where he held the position of Post Commander 4 times. He was in charge of membership for the post and held numerous other positions at the post over the years. He also wrote the Legions Newsletters for 40 yrs. And won a Journalism Award for his outstanding work.

George was chosen through the American Legion to receive the Outstanding Citizenship Award for his Dedication to the Legion and Humanity and for Volunteering thousands upon thousands of hours at the Richard Roudebush Veterans Hospital in Indpls. George drove the VA bus for the hospitalized Vets taking them to Colts, Indian, Ice & Pacer games. He also took them each year to the lighting of the circle Christmas tree. He felt it important to do this for the Vets so that they could get out of the hospital setting for awhile and have some fun. George was also instrumental in getting TV’s in the Veteran’s hospital rooms.

George was always involved in sports from a young age. Over the years he played on several Amateur Softball Leagues. He was an outstanding player and was honored to be inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame. He also refereed IHSAA Basketball & Football for 30 yrs.
George was a big fan of The Colts and Nascar’s Jeff Gordon.

George was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and was a charter member of the church choir where he sang for close to 40 yrs.

George was blessed with wonderful friendships he had with all the groups he was involved in.
(He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 yrs., Alberta Raab Blackburn in 2008.) He is survived by his Daughter, Debbie (Jeff) Browder, 2 Granddaughters Chrissy Davis and Nikki (Steve) Wright, 5 Great Grandchildren Destinee, Bailey, Rayna, Milo & Louis. Brother Arvine Blackburn and Sisters Betty Follis, Janet Rippy & Marilyn Best.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, Mar 27th from 4pm to 8 pm at Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory, Harry W. Moore Chapel 8151 Allisonville Road, Indpls

Open Funeral Service: Thurs Mar 28th starting at 11a.m.

Entombment at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens 9700 Allisonville Rd.
Monetary contributions can be made in honor of George to the
Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral.