Donald Asay Blackburn died April 12 at his family home in Wickenburg, Ariz. with his wife Victoria by his side. He was born Dec. 1, 1932, in Lovell, to Hyrum and Gladys Blackburn. June 11, 1985, he married his wife Victoria Watson of Chinook, Mont. On Feb. 4, 2003, he was sealed for time and eternity in the Mesa Temple in Arizona. His life was marked by an unconditional love for his family.


Don was preceded on his journey by his three sons Steve, Danny and Lynn Blackburn. He awaits the reunion with his loving wife Victoria; Marilyn Witt and husband Kelly; Jeffrey Blackburn and wife Linda; David Blackburn and wife Velma; Teri Lee Benoit and husband Kenny; Troy Hunter; Harley Blackburn and wife Jodi; Brenda Lorash and husband Eddie; Derk Hunter and wife Katrina; Brent Bowen and wife Allyson; grandchildren Natalie Rallo and Justin Blackburn of Wickenburg; and over 60 grandchildren and great grandchildren.


Don grew up in Lovell where he was an outstanding athlete in football and basketball before leaving for Korea as an Army soldier in 1951. Upon his return from Korea, he worked the jobs no one else would. He worked setting concrete forms for the Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona. He owned and ran a large Uranium mine in his mid-20s. He worked as a salesman for FMC, selling agricultural products to some of the largest farms in the U.S. near Stockton, Calif.


His business ventures included owning and managing various gold mines in Montana, Wyoming and Arizona; consulting work for the governments of China and Vietnam; uranium ventures in Arizona, Utah and Wyoming; Blackburn Drilling that operated across the United States and in Australia; Bear Creek Coal Partners of Montana; Titanium Resources Corporation; Vanadium Partners, Inc.; and numerous other projects.


His character, humor and personality will be celebrated at the Wickenburg LDS Church today (Thursday), April 17, at 6 p.m., with visitation an hour prior to services. Another service will be held at the LDS Stake Center in Lovell at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, with visitation an hour prior for family and close friends. Burial will follow as he is laid to rest with his sons Steve, Danny, and Lynn in Lovell. All are welcome to attend.


A memorial fund has been set up for the Perpetual Education Fund and for the Humane Society. Contributions can be sent to: P.O. Box 20238 Wickenburg, Arizona 85358.


The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory.