Obituary of J. Wayne Blackman

J. Wayne Blackman of Pitman, NJ, age 87, died February 27. Born in Woodbury, NJ, he was a lifelong resident of Pitman. Wayne graduated from Pitman High School in 1943, and served his country in the Army during World War II. He was part of the 301st S.I.A.M. Operation Battalion in General Patton's Third Army. After the war, he attended and graduated from Gettysburg College. He was hired by Kimble Glass Co.,Vineland, NJ, now Owens Illinois, to work as a Chemical Engineer, retiring in 1985. He married his childhood sweetheart, June Ellis on September 10, 1949. Wayne served on the Pitman Board of Education from 1968-71, and was president during the planning of the present Pitman High School. His backyard was Wildlife Habitat #3695, certified by the National Wildlife Federation. He was a member of the South Jersey Orchid Society, West Jersey Rose Society, Gloucester County Nature Club, National Wildlife Federation, Pitman Garden Club, and the Pitman United Methodist Church. Predeceased by his wife of 52 years, June Blackman. Survived by his son John W. Blackman, Jr., daughter Wendy (Richard) Mach, grandson, Richard Wayne Mach, brothers Dr. Edward (Marge) Blackman, Jr., and Vernon (Lynne) Blackman. Friends may call on Thursday from 7 to 9 PM in the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Avenue, Pitman, NJ, and on Friday after 10 AM. Funeral service at 11 AM. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to the Pitman United Methodist Church, 758 N. Broadway, Pitman, NJ and the United Methodist Homes of NJ Fellowship Fund, 535 N. Oak Avenue, Pitman, NJ, 08071. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com.