Walker Elvin "Blackie" Blackmore

Walker Elvin "Blackie" Blackmore passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at his home in Yukon, Okla. 

He was born May 1, 1939 to Walker and Thelma (Miller) Blackmore in Yates Center, Kan. He attended high school in Yates Center and Valley Center, Kan. He also attended intermediate Banking School at SMU.  He married Cara Lou Fitzgerald December 28, 1957 in Valley Center, Kan. 

He was in the Navy from 1957–1961 and reached the rank of Radioman Second Class and was active during the Bay of Pigs, Laos and Quemoy.  After his Navy discharge, he was awarded a football scholarship at Friends University, but was injured and unable to play.

His career started as a branch manager for Bankers Investment Company in various cities in Oklahoma including Woodward, Perry, Roland and Oklahoma City. He then accepted a position at Yukon National Bank, and later became CEO.  After the oil boom, he was approved by the F.D.I.C. to restructure rural banks, and did so in the Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado areas.

Blackie was a loving father and husband, always involved in family activities.  He loved people, athletics, competition, playing his guitar, coaching little league, announcing football games, horses, dogs, living in the Arbuckles, and being unpredictable.

He is survived by his wife, Cara; son, Michael (Monna); daughters, Christy Simmons (Roy) and Dee Ann Revels; 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Karen (Phil) Drake, Kathy (RK) Kelly, Edna Kay and Connie; and brothers, Mike Blackmore, Steven Blackmore and Randy Drake.

He was preceded in death by sister, Barbara; his mother and father; and by other Dad Earl Vadnais.

Memorial services were held Saturday, July 11, at Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Yukon, Okla. Online condolences may be signed at http://www.yandafuneral.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home in Yukon, Okla.