Rev. Harold “Dean” Blackburn, 84, passed away Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Dean was born Aug. 9, 1942, in Fairfield, Ill, the son of William Cyrus and Opal Viola (Finley) Blackburn. On Sept. 1, 1963, in Fairfield, he married Nancey Carla Francis. She preceded him in death on May 25, 2019.

Dean faithfully served as a minister in the Ill Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church for 65 years. Throughout his ministry, he served numerous congregations across Ill, including as pastor of Delavan United Methodist Church from 1998 until his retirement in 2007. Following retirement, he continued his calling by serving several small churches in southern Ill. During the past two years, he resided at Asbury Village in Godfrey, Ill.

Surviving are his son, John M. Blackburn of Glen Carbon; his daughter, Angela (David) Sarandis of Alton; two grandchildren, Connor McLaughlin (Ali Kossman) and Nolan McLaughlin; two step-grandchildren, Chris (Sarah) Sarandis and John (Kaitlyn) Sarandis; and step-great-grandchildren Derek Sarandis, Elijah Wallace, Evangeline Wallace, Elliot Wallace, Penny Sarandis, Rebecca Sarandis, Jonah Sarandis and Cinder Kossman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancey; a brother, Charles Ray Blackburn; and a sister, Norma Tucker.

A memorial service was held on Aug. 22, at East Alton First United Methodist Church. Pastor Edward Granadosin officiated.

Interment was held at Shrewsbury Cemetery in Fairfield, Ill.