Kenneth Asay Blackburn

Kenneth Asay Blackburn—our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend—passed away peacefully on March 29, 2024. Ken spent his almost 93 years devoted to his family and to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ken was born on a rainy spring day to Hyrum and Gladys (Asay) Blackburn in Otto, Wyoming on April 30, 1931. By the time his father arrived with the doctor over wet and muddy roads, Ken was already born. This pattern of being independent continued through his life. He was the middle child of five siblings, all who have preceded him in death. When Ken was 2, the family moved to Lovell where he spent his childhood working on the farm and enjoying the peaceful life of a small town with his parents and siblings.

Ken graduated from Lovell High School in 1950 where he was an outstanding student and basketball player. After graduation, he was called to serve in Korea with the Wyoming National Guard. After completing his service, he met the love of his life, Sharon Godfrey, from Cowley. The two were married for time and eternity on August 6, 1952, in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Education was always important to Ken. He was offered scholarships and fellowships to many places. He studied at the University of Wyoming, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and Stanford University. He received Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate degrees from the University of Wyoming, supported throughout by his wife Sharon and their three children. He remained close to the academic world after completing his own education. He taught science and math, coached and refereed, wrote grants, and worked with school administrations and even the Wyoming State Department on Education. He retired three different times before he finally began concentrating on his hobbies of remodeling the family home, taking care of the yard, being a caretaker at the Cowley Cemetery, and traveling to visit family.

Ken loved his family and his faith. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served faithfully in many callings but especially loved to work with the youth. Despite his busy work and church schedules, his family was the center of his focus, and he always made time to attend activities with them. He taught us all that “The gospel’s true, and the secret’s in the lid.”

Ken has been a fixture in Bighorn County, Wyoming for over nine decades. He was quick to offer service and a smile to all those in need. Ken is survived by his loving wife of over seventy years, Sharon, and his three children—Debra (Scott), Denise (Steve), and Ken (Janeen)—and his nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren, all who adored him. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dennis Godfrey and sister-in-law, Greta Workman.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Cowley Chapel. Interment in the Cowley Cemetery will follow.

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