Wayne Asay Blackburn

Celebrating the Life of Wayne BlackburnWayne Asay Blackburn, 89 of Gillette, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2015 at Close to Home Hospice House in Gillette. Memorial services for Wayne will be Friday, July 31, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home. His cremains will be joined with Gloria's at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Gillette, Wyoming.He was born (2nd of 6 children) January 10, 1926 in Lovell, Wyoming to Hyrum and Gladys Asay Blackburn, brothers: Hy, Ken, Donnie and Ed. and sister, Marjorie Stevens. Upon graduating from Lovell High School, he joined the Navy to fight for his country in WW II. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-46 in the Asiatic Pacific Corridor. He attained the rank of Machinist Mate Third Class and received the following: American Area, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, Philippine Liberation, WWII Victory, Expeditionary Service, National Defense, Sea Service and the American Campaign Medals. His ship was in Tokyo Bay when the treaty was signed ending World War II.Upon returning home from the war he married the love of his life, Gloria Lee Hovis in Fromberg, Montana on January 24, 1947. There were 3 children from their 60 year union; Susan, Steve and Cindy.His career path was varied and he received many certifications in various areas of study. He was a life long learner and visionary. He was an innovative, creative problem solver and a U.S. Patent Inventor of a Fluid Metering Apparatus. He worked as a chemical salesman in the oil field for most of his life which took his family on adventures to Vernal, UT, Glendive, MT and Williston, ND. He then moved the family back to Lovell where he was not only a chemical salesman but began blending and selling chemicals in bulk. He then incorporated his expertise into forming an oil field corporation.In 1999 he and Gloria moved to Gillette, WY to be near their daughters. Their home was always the family hub and Sunday dinners were special and will be forever cherished. He always had a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and a smile. He was a family man and loved his grand and great grandchildren. He was a powerful influence on his family and joyfully watched the little ones grow. The mere sight or thought of them lit up his entire being. After his wife, Gloria passed away, he lived at Primrose for 4 years. Every family member had their birthday party in the pub or ice cream shop while he lived there. His next home was Close to Home Hospice House where he was loved, respected and adored by the Hospice staff. While living at Hospice, he told his daughters that he was living on a beautiful ranch and that he really loved it there. They won't forget him anytime soon. One of the many adorable stories is when he lost his call button he would get their attention by throwing various items out of his door. He is survived by 2 daughters: Susan (John) Blackburn Hall-Edwards and Cynthia (Stan) Blackburn Bay of Gillette and 1 son: Stephan (Cathy) Wayne Blackburn of Denver, Colorado. He leaves 6 grandchildren: Jefferson James Bay of Palmyra, NY, Wesley Dwayne Bay of Cheyenne, Melissa Lee Bay of Honolulu, Hawaii, Timothy Wayne Hall of Gillette, Anthony James Hall of Rock Springs, WY, Stephan Wayne Blackburn Jr. of Denver, CO and 12 and great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Ken (Sharon) and Ed (Janet) and sister Marjorie Stevens. He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, his parents Hyrum and Gladys Blackburn and 2 brothers Hyrum and Donnie Blackburn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Close to Home Hospice House in Mr. Blackburn's name. Memorials and condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the web at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com or attached to the obituary on the News Record's web site at www.gillettenewsrecord.com.Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716