R. Edward "Ed" Blackmon 71, of Salem, died early Tuesday morning, August 9, 2022, at his home following a lengthy illness.

He was born on May 15, 1951 in South Boston, Virginia, the son of the late Robert Louis and Christine (Handy) Blackmon.

He lived in Alliance and vicinity before moving to Salem in 2017. Ed was a graduate of West Branch High School and was last employed at Salem Republic Rubber in Sebring. He was brought up in the Catholic church when he was young.

Ed was a very unique and special person, but very stubborn and set in his ways. In the more recent years the grumpiness started to show and he just wanted to stick around the house, watch old movies, drinking milk and smoking his cigarettes. Ed was an avid sports fan of all the Cleveland teams. The time spent with his family and being a "Papa" to his grandchildren was very special to him. His daughter and family liked to go visit haunted places and Ed was always eager to tag along. In his younger years he was a little league baseball coach.

He is survived by his daughter Mary Christine (Kurtis Materna) Blackmon of Salem, three grandchildren; Jasmine, Dakota and Hunter Randall, sisters; Mary Savage of Salem and Wanda Ellsworth of Homeworth.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Donald.

There will be a service on Thursday, August 18, 2022, 7 PM at the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Salem, Ohio. Pastor Kari Lankford will be officiating.