Blackard, Jason

Jason Mark Blackard, age 35, of Clinton, formerly of Petersburg and Colorado Springs, CO, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2013 at his home.

He is survived by his children, Carley R. Wilson of Petersburg and Tyler K. Blackard of Clovis, NM; parents, Kenneth and E. Kay Blackard of Petersburg; a sister, Rebecca (Terry) Miller of Athens; two nephews, Ethan and Bryce Miller; grandparents, Thomas E. and Jo Evelyn Boyer; three uncles, Thomas W. Boyer, Steven Boyer, and Christopher (Andrea) Boyer; grandmother, Jane Blackard of Springfield; three aunts, Jerrie Gainey, Kay Burkhart, and Susan Rothert; and many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Lula and Hannon Green; and grandfather, Arch L. Blackard.

Jason was born on January 1, 1978 in Springfield, IL, the son of Kenneth and Evelyn Boyer Blackard.

Jason attended PORTA High School and later received his GED from Lincoln’s Challenge in Rantoul, IL.

While Jason lived in Colorado Springs, CO for thirteen years, he worked as a heavy equipment operator. He was most recently employed at Trinity Structural Towers for the last year and half in Clinton, IL as a Class A Welder.

He loved body-building, camping, hiking, and to riding Harley motorcycles. Jason loved his new truck and went “boone-dogging” any chance he had.

He was well-loved and never knew a stranger. Jason was always willing and loved to help others and thought of others more than himself. He had a great sense of humor and as most people know Jason was one-of-a-kind.

Jason will be truly missed but not forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2013 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.

Funeral services will be held on 11:00 AM Friday, March 22, 2013 at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. After the funeral services, a Celebration of Life, where everyone is welcome to share stories or memories, will take place at the Athens Community Park.

Rev. Danny Boyer will be officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded.

Burial will be held at a later date at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens.