John Thomas "Tom" Blackburn, 78, of Carlisle, passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in the Forest Park Health Center in Carlisle. He was born on June 26, 1939 in Carlisle and was the son of the late John H. and Evelyn Romaine (Yost) Blackburn.

Tom earned his G.E.D. from the Carlisle O.I.C. He served in the US Army for two terms during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Letterkenny Army Depot after many years of service and also retired from Musselman's Foods. He was a member of the Tree of Life Church in Carlisle and was a volunteer with Project Share in Carlisle.

He is survived by a special sister, Shirl (husband, Robert) Szczypta of Southport, NC, a special granddaughter, Madi Nace and her parents, Judy and Guy Nace of Boiling Springs, his special caregiver, Carol Baer of Newville and several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one sister, Shirley Lescalleet.

A graveside service with military honors by Cumberland County Honor Guard will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 in the North Middleton Church of God Cemetery, PA-74, Waggoners Gap Rd., Carlisle with Pastor Dave Herr officiating. A memorial service will immediately follow the graveside service at the Tree of Life Church, K St., Carlisle. Ewing Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the PA Association for the Blind, 555 Gettysburg Pike, Ste. A300, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. www.Since1853.com.