Retired U.S. Naval Air Reserve Capt. Alan P. Blackburn died on Thursday, March 10, 2016.
Alan was born on April 19, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Peter C. and Katherine Blackburn. He was raised in Pittsburgh, Pa., and graduated from Grove City College in 1956. In March 1957, Alan entered the U.S. Navy Flight Program in Pensacola, Fla. He was commissioned as an ensign in June 1957. After several U.S. Naval aviation schools, he began his U.S. Naval career as a member of VS-30 at Naval Air Station, Norfolk.
Upon his release from active duty in June 1960, he became a member of the U.S. Naval Air Reserve, where he completed 20 years primarily as a squadron administration officer. He retired from the Naval Air Reserve in November 1979 with the rank of captain. Alan served as commanding officer of Airlant Air Reserve Unit and also as commanding officer of General IRU in the U.S. Naval Air Reserve.
He was active in the Lions International for 35 years and was a past president of the Lynnhaven Lions Club. Alan was an elder of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and active with the Columbarium Committee.
Alan was also a member of the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Military Officers Association of America and the American Legion. He was also a real-estate investor. In civilian life, Alan was in the insurance and investment business for 29 years before retiring in May 1989.
His parents and one infant son preceded him in death.
He was married for over 58 years to his college sweetheart, Mary Ann Beighley of Youngstown, Ohio. He is survived by his three married children, Katherine Ann and retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Jeff Fowler, Alan Karl and Sandy Blackburn and Kelly Lee and Charlie Gardiner; 10 grandchildren, Jeffrey Blackburn, Sterling Blackburn, Steven Blackburn, Abigail Blackburn, Isabella Blackburn, Brittany, and husband, Joseph Abbatiello, Lynsee Fowler, Connor Fowler, Brandon Gardiner and Nathan Gardiner; two sisters, Marjorie Rea (Clayton) and Norma White (Richard); and his sister-in-law, Susan Spencer (Dean).
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 424 Kings Grant Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, P.O. Box 97007, Washington, D.C., 20090-7007.
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