William Sprague Blackburn

William Sprague Blackburn, 96, was born to Chester and Angeline (Schumacher) Blackburn on December 13, 1926, Bill went home to be with the Lord on March 18, 2023. He was a long-time member of Goss Memorial Church, where he served as an Elder, Deacon and Treasurer. Bill had a servant heart for the Lord, was devoted to God’s Word and especially loved to worship and sing praises to God. Over the years, he taught many Bible studies and led various choir groups. In the 1950’s, Bill held weekly Youth for Christ Bible clubs in Kenmore, Ohio, where he met his wife Lillian Moss. After marriage and with their first child Debbie, Bill and Lillian served in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, Canada with Youth for Christ Ministries.

Bill was a member of the Norton High School Class of 1944. He served in the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII on the U.S.S. Cowpens. Thereafter, he earned a bachelor degree in Greek as well as a Master’s Degrees in Biblical and Theological Studies from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Professionally, Bill worked for First National Bank for over 33 years, after which he worked for Bacher Funeral home. He also served as a trustee of Greenlawn Cemetery for over 40 years and was a founding member of the Norton Historical Society.

Bill especially enjoyed music, including music from the 40’s, classical music and spiritual hymns. He loved to sing whether as a solo, in duets or as part of a congregation or choir. He enjoyed a good joke and always had one handy for the occasion. Bill was a serious soul, but frequently had a twinkle in his eyes. He loved good cooking, favored Bob Evans and enjoyed spending time with family. He delighted in the small children as the extended family grew. Bill did puzzles with the kids, and played games such as Pictionary and charades and laughed heartily at the antics and fun that they all had together.

 Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law: Ralph and Peg Blackburn, Francis Marion and Geraldine Blackburn, Glen and Pola Blackburn, Rev. Carl Blackburn; and sister, Ethel Knight. He was also preceded in death by his sons-in-law, William Wenger and Mason Staub; as well as by his beloved grandson, Jason Wenger.

Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Lillian (Moss) Blackburn; daughter, Deborah Wenger Staub; son, David Blackburn and son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Lisa Blackburn; granddaughter, Angie (Wenger) Nehrbass and husband Tim; grandson, Garrett Blackburn, and wife Rachel; great grandchildren, Benjamin, Jenna, and Caleb Nehrbass, Paisley, Carson, and Lillie Grace Blackburn; granddaughters, Rachel Staub, Ruth (Staub) Billings, Rebekah (Staub) Green and Mary (Staub) Simpson; twelve Staub grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by extended family members, Cathy Denissoff, Mark and Laura (Denissoff) Kell, and their children, Benjamin, Jonathan, Lily and Matthew, as well as Michael and Ellie Denissoff, and their two children, Calvin, and Charlotte.

The family will greet friends at Goss Memorial Church, 2247 11th St. SW, Akron, OH 44314 on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers consider making a donation to the following: Goss Memorial Church or the Norton Historical Society, 4060 Columbia Woods Drive, Norton, OH 44203, in memory of William S. Blackburn.

You are invited to www.mooreffh.com to view William's tribute wall and offer condolences and share memories.