Mr. Norman Blackburn Sr. was born April 7, 1921, to the late Peter and Frozerene Blackburn. Ninety-four years later on May 1, 2015, he was called from labor to rest at his residence. He was the last surviving member of his family.

He grew up in the Stony Point community. He was a World War II veteran. He was a dairy farmer, cotton farmer and welder, and he grew vegetables to support his family. He always had sweet potatoes, peas, okra, watermelons and you name it. His real passion was sugar cane. He started making syrup with his uncle Silas Blackburn and continued to cook syrup for over 50 years until he was physically unable to do so.

In his late 50s and early 60s he built his own home for him and his late wife, Ethel Blackburn. They lived there for over 30 years, just the two of them.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel James Blackburn; his parents; six brothers, Norvel, Monroe, Leroy, West, Willie Lee and Norse Blackburn; and six sisters, Cammilla, Charlene, Vern, Emma Lee, Marya and Vertie Lee.

He is survived by two sons, Herman (Kim) Blackburn and Norman (Bobbie) Blackburn Jr. of Mt. Hermon; four daughters, Mae Lazard and Roserine White of Baton Rouge, Lena (Charles Brumfield of Kentwood and Esther (Nolan Jr.) Carmel of Magnolia, Miss.; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Marie Brumfield of Mt. Hermon and Creola Blackburn of New Orleans; and lots of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 9, 2015, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton, with the Rev. Johnny Causey officiating. Crain and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at www.crainandsons.com.