ELKHART -- The Rev. Elbert Blackmon, 76, of Elkhart, died Sunday (July 19, 2009) in Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born March 9, 1933, in Lafayette County, Miss., to Annie Hampton and Charlie Blackmon Sr.

The Rev. Blackmon is survived by one son, Purnell (Minnie) Blackmon of South Haven, Miss.; two daughters, Betty (Levan) Wadlington of Racine, Wis., and Alkeia Blackmon of Rockville; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; seven sisters, Ruby (Hugh) Mosley and Marie (Eugene) Gable, both of Abbeville, Miss., Lois (Jimmy) Brown of Oxford, Miss., Carlean Kimmons of Sardis, Miss., Glenda F. (Tyrone) Lipsey of Kenton, Miss., Mildred McEwen of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Gearldiene (Melyn) Hillard of Los Angeles; five brothers, Sheron (Julia) Blackmon of Oxford, Robert (Rosie) Blackmon of Abbeville, the Rev. Charlie E. (Ada) Blackmon and Frankie L. Blackmon, both of South Bend, and Webster (Mamie) Blackmon of Rochester, N.Y.

Three siblings, Emma Mae, Jesse Lee and Willie James Blackmon, preceded him in death.

The Rev. Blackmon dedicated his life to the ministry for more than 20 years, serving as president and choir director of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Male Choir for many years before joining the Bethlehem Male Choir.

He retired from Elkhart Chair and Frame.

Friends may call one hour prior to Friday's noon funeral service at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 24393 Fillmore Road, South Bend. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Cobb Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.