Mr. Eddie Blackmon

Eddie Blackmon was born on June 30, 1930, to Carrie and George Blackmon in Tchula, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at Carle Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Illinois on May, 14, 2025. As a very young boy, Eddie would wake up early and tend to the animals and the chickens on the family farm before going to school. After school, instead of playing with friends, Eddie would shadow his father, tilling and sowing the fields in addition to helping his father with the family’s side business which was lumber cutting. It was said by many that Eddie could do and fix almost anything because he possessed strong and practical skills which he attributed to his father. After the family farm was sold, Eddie made his way to Peoria where he had resided for more than seventy years. Eddie worked in building maintenance at Woolworth’s and Carson Pirie Scott where his skillset enabled him to focus on Electrical and HVAC maintenance. When Carson sold the building to Jefferson Bank, Eddie was promoted to a management position over building operations which was a position he held until retirement. Even though he had to wear a shirt, tie and jacket to work, Eddie continued to eat lunch in the basement with his employees each day. Eddie was truly the quintessential Everyman. For decades, Eddie was a runner who would religiously run 5 to 6 miles per day for 6 days per week. An avid reader, a good book was always his favorite present for his birthday, Father’s Day and Christmas. Eddie was a kind, caring and compassionate man who always extended himself to support others who were in need. Charitable in so many ways, he felt that his service on the board of directors for the Urban League of Peoria was one of his most meaningful endeavors. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings and his cherished wife of fifty-four years, Verneda. Eddie is survived by his three children, Chaquawana Wyatt, William Wyatt, and Chat (Jessie) Leonard; numerous nieces, nephews, children and great children all who loved him so very much. A private graveside service will be scheduled in the near future. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Eddie’s memory may be made to the Urban League of Peoria, Illinois.

Mr. Eddie Blackmon

June 30, 1930 - May 14, 2025