Clyde Sherwood Blackburn, 62, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at his home in Hutchinson after a brief illness.

He was born Oct. 14, 1947, in Pratt, Kan., to Clell and Maria Nemchek Blackburn.

He attended school in Pratt and other towns before graduating from Buhler High School in 1965. Clyde served in the United States Army from 1967-1969 during the Vietnam War, stationed near Cu-Chi. In 1971, he married Margaret Cartmill in Dighton, Kan. An accomplished and skilled tile-setter, he worked most of his life all over Kansas, teaching his children and many others his trade. He enjoyed home improvement and spending time with friends and family.

He is survived by: one brother, William Blackburn of Kansas City, Kan.; three sons, Michael and wife Becky, Matthew and wife Jennifer, and Mitchell and wife Amy, all of Hutchinson; one daughter, Marcie and husband Neal Morel, Moundridge; two granddaughters, Michelle and Brittany Blackburn; three grandsons, Brian, Brenden and Lander Blackburn. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 8, 2010, at Friends Church, 1200 E. 14th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Gary D. Getting officiating. Burial will be at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Reno County or American Cancer Society in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal messages for the family.