Everett "Corky" Eugene Blackman

Everett Eugene Blackman, the youngest of eight children of Josie Myrle (Plumb) and Clarence LeRoy Blackman, was born on March 13, 1932 on the family farm west of Malvern, Iowa. Fondly known as "Corky", he grew up in the Hillsdale neighborhood near Malvern and attended Hillsdale Country School through the 8th grade. In 1950, he graduated from Tabor High School in Tabor, Iowa. Following school while Corky farmed, he also worked as a farm hand, shelled corn, and drove truck for packing plants in Tabor and in Omaha, Nebraska. Later on in years, while still farming, Corky also worked as the farm operation manager at the Glenwood State School until his retirement.

Corky and Etta Ruth Davis were married on March 23, 1951 in Malvern, Iowa. They lived on farms in the Malvern and Tabor areas, and in 1963, they purchased a farm, just a half-mile from Corky's birth place. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Kenneth Eugene, Barbara JoAnn, and Carol Jean.

Corky was a member of the Hillsdale United Methodist Church and the Knights of the Pythian Lodge 295 of Tabor. As a young man, he enjoyed roller-skating, playing softball and baseball, and was very athletic during high school. He and Ruth loved to dance, play cards in the neighborhood card club, and supported their children in school activities and events. Later in life, Corky also enjoyed woodworking. He especially loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.

Corky and Ruth were married 57 years, when Ruth died on October 25, 2008. Corky passed away on July 15, 2012 at the Hospice with Heart in Glenwood, at the age of 80 years, 4 months, and 2 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife Ruth; infant twin sisters, Gladys Louise and Grace Lucille; brothers, Harold "Blackie" Blackman and wife Wilma, Floyd Blackman and wife Katie, Wayne Blackman and wife Marjorie, and Donald "Skeets" Blackman and wife Lucille; and sister Edna "Sis" Powles and husband Lyle.

Corky is survived by his son Kenneth Blackman and wife Kathy of Red Oak, IA; daughters, Barb Corey and husband Ron of Corning, IA, and Carol Stane and husband Victor of Silver City, IA; 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Helen Davis of Council Bluffs, IA; brothers-in-law, Willard "Bill" Davis and wife Mary, and Larry Davis and wife Mary, all of Glenwood; many nieces and nephews; other relatives; and a host of friends.

A memorial fund has been established.

Interment in the Malvern Cemetery.