Jerome Russell Blackstone

Jerome Russell Blackstone, (Jerry) age 91, died Wednesday, January 23, 2019, peacefully at home in Beaumont.  He was born October 28, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, to Frank Russell and Suzanne Lund Blackstone, who preceded him in death, as well as his brother Gregg, his infant granddaughter, Monica, his in-laws John and Mamie Cain Abshier, and Buzz, Candy and Mike Abshier.  Also preceding Jerry was his precious cat, Floofy Underfoot.  Miss Maggie, the present cat was his constant companion and with him when he died.  Jerry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ann Abshier, and his children: three sons, Chris Blackstone and wife, Julia Shaw of Wilmington, Delaware; Craig Blackstone of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania; Russell Blackstone and wife, Theresa of Buffalo, New York; three daughters, Sue Blackstone and partner, Vicki Nelson of Pell Lake, Wisconsin; Karen Blackstone of Excelsior, Minnesota; and Mary McCosh of Adelaide, Australia; alao his sister-in-law, Loy Abshier of Thicket, Texas.  Jerry leaves 10 grandchildren as well as his special families, Jesse Sanchez and Maria Nieto of Smith Point, and their four children; Krin and Joel Koehler’s family of Beaumont, Houston and Wimberly, Texas; and good friend, Toni Clark of Beaumont.

            He was a 1949 graduate of University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. During the Korean Conflict in the 1950s, Jerry served in the U.S. Army for two years.  After their marriage in 1974, he and Ann lived in Milwaukee for more than 20 years, where Jerry was well known in public relations. He was quite active in International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), serving as IABC International Treasurer, then International President and was an IABC Fellow as well.

            Jerry had a lifelong interest in golf, having been introduced to the game at age 11. He played for 78 plus years, delighting in every game. Rarely did he miss a golf tournament on TV, and he always loved riding a golf cart and giving instructions.  His last time on a course was in early November with his son, Russell.

            After his retirement from Allen Bradley Company (now Rockwell International), Jerry and Ann moved to Smith Point, Texas. While living at Smith Point Jerry taught English as a second language and participated in a group that drove 34 miles each day to deliver the Houston Chronicle in the area.  He always enjoyed playing golf at Chambers County Golf Course.  When Hurricane Ike destroyed their home, that prompted their move to Beaumont in 2008.

            The family appreciates and thanks Loren Reeves and Erica McPhatter of Texas Home Hospice, Amber Goldsmith of Texas Home Health and Nicole Brown of Coastal Caregivers who have been so helpful during this difficult time.

            A memorial service will be held in Liberty, Texas, at Allison Funeral Home, February 19, 2019, with visitation at 1:30 and the memorial service at 2 p.m.  Jerry supported many causes, so in lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 229 Highway 332 West, Lake Jackson, TX  77566; Alley Cat Allies, 7920 Norfolk Avenue, #600, Bethesda, MD  20814, or the charity of your choice

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