Obituary of Sr. Blackmon

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 24, 2010 at 10 a.m. for Mayo Irving ("Blackie") Blackmon, Sr., at Riser Funeral Home in Columbia, Louisiana with Dr. Mike Frazier officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m., with burial at Fellowship Cemetery in Columbia. Mayo was born January 23, 1923 in Columbia, Louisiana and passed away due to natural causes at Glenwood Regional Medical Center on September 20, 2010. He was born January 23, 1923 in Columbia La. Mayo served in the Navy in the Pacific during World War II as a SeaBee. He was a patriotic man who always loved his country and what being an American stood for. He was proud to be a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner, and was retired from Holsum Bakery. Mayo spent the best years of his life with the love of his life, Arvenia May Bernheim Blackmon, living at their home in the country, after they both decided to relocate from Monroe, LA. Affectionately called Squealer Hollow, it was also known as Paradise. He and his beautiful wife blended a family and lived to love each other, enjoy the country, and knowing that family was the most important part of their lives. These years were the most beautiful of his life and all realized the blessed joy he felt where he spent his final full days. Mayo loved to fish and spent many days doing what he loved. After he and Arvenia moved to Squealer Hollow he spent wondrous days taking care of the beauty of his home and the countryside he had come from and loved so much. But most of all, he shared his life and love with the woman he loved more than anyone else. Mayo's love of woodwork inspired many. He loved the country and many times he would just stop and listen to nature and watch his beloved hummingbirds and other animals. He shared his love of nature with others. He had many stories to tell. He was at peace. His talents were many and he was more than willing to teach others. His love of music will be remembered. Having never taken a guitar or piano lesson in his life, he could play with the best of the best. He loved gospel music. He and his beloved Arvenia provided a paradise for the children and grandchildren to experience a life they might have not otherwise known. Mayo is survived by his wife, Arvenia May Bernheim Blackmon, children, Mayo Irving ("Buddy") Blackmon, Jr. and special friend, Cindy, Gracie Ann Blackmon Hargraves, and son-in-law, David Hargraves, and Barbara Jean Mazza and son-in-law Billy Mazza. He is also survived by a step-daughter Sadye K. Bernheim, and son-in-law, Frank Liepelt. This family was blended but lived as a whole family unit due to the efforts of Mayo and Arvenia. In their eyes it was all about love. "Paw-Paw" will be missed by his grandchildren, Stephanie Harris, Tommy Gentry and wife Sarah, Mayo Irving ("B.J.") Blackmon, III, Sadrian Merritt Alderson and husband Dave, Cale Alexander Merritt, and Summer Hargraves and special friend, James. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Alexis Stephenson, Madelynn Blackmon, Madeline, Olivia, Lindsay, Roman, and Ivan Gentry, and Liana Alderson. Pallbearers will be grandsons Tommy Gentry, B.J. Blackmon, Cale Merritt, & Dave Alderson, nephew Gene May and Frank Liepelt. Honorary pallbearers are Eugene May, Glenn Boudreaux, Leo May, Clinton May, Steven May, and Dave Hargraves. Special thanks to Mary, Jill, Nancy Bennett, Judy, Kendra, Marshall, Dr. Samir Roy, Dr. Ron Hammett, and the nursing and Hospice Staff of Glenwood Regional Medical Center.