Blackburn

Hugh “Skeeter” Blackburn, 90, of Slippery Rock, went home to the Lord Thursday, April 3, 2025.

He was born April 19, 1934. As a toddler, his parents called him Skeeter from the comic strip “Muggs and Skeeter.” His parents probably never expected that the nickname would stay with him for life. It is believed that most people who knew Skeeter were not aware that his given name was Hugh.

Skeeter spent his childhood growing up in the Greenwood Village area of Butler. As a boy, he worked on the Trautman farm where the Sam’s Club, Home Depot and Lowe’s are now located. He often looked at the shopping center and said, “what a beautiful farm that used to be.” He said the same thing when he looked at the Clearview Mall.

Skeeter valued honesty, integrity and hard work throughout his life. He attended Butler High School before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean War and was subsequently stationed in Japan where he became fluent in the language. He was still speaking Japanese in his final days.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Skeeter met Gail, his bride of 65 years. It was love at first sight. They settled in Slippery Rock where they raised three children. Skeeter worked for George Kerr TV and Appliances in Butler for more than 20 years as the television and electronics repairman. Later he worked for Wang Laboratories (computers) until retirement.

Retirement for Skeeter meant turning his hobby machine shop into a self-employment opportunity. He would spend hours at his metal lathe, milling machine and other equipment working on projects he designed using CAD programs. Retirement also meant traveling with Gail. In addition to the U.S., they enjoyed trips to Ireland and Scotland.

He enjoyed an occasional scotch, with Glenlivet being his favorite. When taking a tour of the Glenlivet distillery in Scotland, he was overjoyed to find that the distillery had blended his love for scotch with his love for ice cream. He was served Glenlivet ice cream.

Skeeter and Gail went skydiving to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. He dabbled with his acoustic guitar in the early years, playing alongside Gail as she sat at the piano. Skeeter was a ham radio operator holding an Extra Class license. He was a Freemason and member of Lodge 603 in Grove City. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite.

Skeeter is survived by his son, Hugh (Dawn) Blackburn; his daughters, Diane Blackburn and Crystal (Dave) Majeski; his grandsons, Hugh Blackburn, David Majeski and Greg Majeski; several nieces and nephews; and his four-legged, fur-bearing grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Gail, who passed in 2024. He missed Gail dearly. His children are finding comfort knowing that Skeeter and Gail are together again.

BLACKBURN — Family and friends of Hugh “Skeeter” Blackburn, who died Thursday, April 3, 2025, will be received from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 12, at THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. North St., Butler.

A military service with full honors will be held immediately after the visitation at noon Saturday, April 12, at the funeral home, followed by a funeral service with the Rev. Bob Edmundson officiating.

A private interment will take place at Greenlawn Burial Estates and Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Butler County Humane Society at 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053 or butlercountyhs.org.

All who knew Skeeter are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to his unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.