We loved him, yes, we loved him

But God loved him more

And he was swiftly called him home

To yonder’s shinning shore

The golden gates were opened

A gentle voice said come

And with farewell unspoken

He calmly entered home

Joseph (Joe) Blackman son of Llyod and Irene (Harris) Blackman. Joe was born in Catron, Missouri, shortly after his birth they had moved to Poplar Bluff, where he attended elementary school in Morocco, and later to the Poplar Bluff school.

After his schooling Joseph moved to South Bend, Indiana, where he worked for O’Brian paint company for many years. Joseph had then moved back to Poplar Bluff, Missouri to care for his aging mother and grandmother. When he moved back to Polar Bluff, Missouri Joe started driving the local school bus and held that position for over 35 years. After retiring from the school district Joe went to work driving the truck for the Gospel Rescue Mission. As a side job Joseph Blackman and his best friend Mr. Anderson owned a lawn service which they had for about 10 years.

He was a compassionate, loving and respected man, who enjoyed fishing and hunting and working outdoors.

Joseph learned early in life that he wanted to devote his life to the Catholic faith. Joe was a devoted Catholic for most of his life and had recently stopped going due to health issues.

Mourning his loss, wife Marilyn Blackman; children, Anthony (Annette) Williams, Freddy (Keisha) Blackman, Joseph Blackman Jr., Quaid Blackman, Danita (Herman) Jackson, Lisa Blackman, Kimberly (Michael) Smith, Ashle Blackman (Robert), Lyvonda Blackman (special friend, Latez), mother-in-law, Mary Thurston, brother-in-law, William Thurston, sisters-in-law, Betty Trienbach, Sandra McClatchery, and Ruth Blackman; 24 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and special cousin Mrs. Essie Matthews.

Visitation will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home at 366 College Street, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Chapel with Father Samson Dorival officiating. Interment will follow funeral service at Morocco Cemetery. Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home is assisting with all arrangements.

Condolences may be made online at www.fitchhillisfh.com or on the Fitch-Hillis Facebook page.