Donald Blackburn

Donald Edgar Blackburn went to be with his Lord on March 20, 2025, at the age of 92 in Birmingham, Alabama. He was born on March 25, 1932, in Athens, Alabama. He was number 10 of 12 children.

After high school, he served his country in the Korean War. For the majority of his career, he was in sales. However, his love was for woodworking so after retiring, he spent most of his time as a handyman and woodworker.

He was a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church since moving to Birmingham in 1970. He loved the children and youth at Dawson, finding great satisfaction and joy in serving on mission trips and Chapel Choir tours with them and working in the children's department at the church.

He was also a member of Alabama Woodworker's Guild since 1984. After losing most of his sight, Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays became his favorite days because he was at church or woodworking. His greatest joy came from serving others, which he did for so many...all you had to do was ask.

Don is lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty; his children, Lou Ann Tibbs (Wayne, predeceased in 2015), Cynthia Elmore (Mitch), Karen Emerich (David), and Cheryl Joynt (Mitch); his grandchildren Kari Tibbs and Lynsey Tibbs, Scott Elmore, Jennifer Weaver (Calvin), Katie Martin (Caleb), Jonathan Elmore (Katie), Alisa Anderson (Luke), Christopher Emerich, and Tyler Joynt (Jody); his great grandchildren Lexi Elmore, Bailey, Trey, Colby, Chase and Ellie Weaver, Brielle and Nolan Martin, Madison, Marie and Grady Elmore, Sophia, Tate, and Finn Anderson, Grayson, Lucy and baby number three (in April) Joynt. He is also survived by his brother, Billie and many nieces and nephews that were very special to him.

Don ran his race well and persevered through so much while "building" a beautiful legacy that he passed on to his family, friends and ministries across our nation and overseas. He was known for his sense of humor, his laugh, resilient spirit and his always positive attitude. We will be forever grateful for his love, generosity, guidance, training, love of laughter and encouragement. Don was deeply loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 11 :00 in the sanctuary of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, 1114 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama. Visitation will follow in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Dawson's Sanctuary Renovation (1114 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama 35209) or to Alabama Woodworker's Guild (10544 Highway 17, Alabaster, Alabama 35114).