Melvine Louise Blackburn, 91, of O’Fallon, MO, formerly of Springfield and Fillmore, died at The Vero of O’Fallon on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the Toberman Dean Funeral Home in Coffeen. Burial will follow in Olive Hill Cemetery. Pastor Barry Ivie of St. Charles River Church will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m.
Mrs. Blackburn was born on Nov. 17, 1934, in Fillmore, a daughter of Herschel Francis and Laura Sylvia (Reubart) Huber. She graduated from Coffeen High School and married her high school sweetheart, Billy Wilburn Blackburn, on April 25, 1955, in Kankakee. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage until his passing on Nov. 5, 2010. She later moved to O’Fallon, MO, to be closer to family.
Mrs. Blackburn was employed for several years working part time as an annuity clerk at Horace Mann Insurance Company in Springfield. Growing up on a farm, she eagerly learned mechanical skills and her do-it-yourself tendencies enabled her to tackle anything she set her mind to, whether it was repairing a broken lawnmower or learning to cane chairs. Additionally, she enjoyed gardening and crafting, including cross-stitch and embroidery. Mrs. Blackburn was a collector of antique clocks. She particularly loved spending time with her family and enjoyed playing cards and games with them.
Among her greatest blessings were her eleven grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Mrs. Blackburn loved hearing about them and their accomplishments. She embraced her role as grandmother and great-grandmother with immense pride. She treasured her visits with each of them.
Mrs. Blackburn is survived by her two daughters, Gail (Dave) Lauchner of Highland and Gina (Preston) Hoppe of O’Fallon, MO; four grandchildren, Chris (Jenessa) Lauchner, April (Steven) Noriega, Kassandra (fiancé Tyren) Hoppe and Nickolas Hoppe; and seven great-grandchildren, Liliana, Evander, Amelia, S.J., Audriana, Liam and Elisabeth.
Mrs. Blackburn was preceded in death by her parents, Herschel and Laura Huber; her husband, Billy Blackburn; sisters, Janet Bohmer and Marjorie Simmons; and an infant son.
Memorials may be directed to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Ste. 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or will be accepted at the funeral home during visitation. Hough-Dean Funeral Home is serving the Blackburn family. To leave an online condolence or to order flowers, please visit www.houghdeanfh.com.
