Pat Blackstone

After an eight month courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Pat Blackstone, took his last breath which ended his life Saturday, March 18th at his home, under the care of Hospice of East Texas and his daughter, Tammy where he was surrounded by family.  

Pat was born July 21, 1942 to James and Minnie Dee Murphy Blackstone in Upshur County where he was a lifelong resident with the exception of his service in the United States Army. He graduated from Big Sandy High School and worked in several types of businesses from trucking to dairy and farming, but he retired from Upshur County Road and Bridge Department.  He was most happy on his tractor mowing his farm, taking his grandchildren and great-grandchildren for rides, or plowing for a garden.  His job made him money; his passion was his family and his farm, and he instilled that love for family and land into his family, who have all chosen to move home and live on his family land.

Pat is survived by his daughter Tammy (Tim) Blackstone Bearden of Big Sandy;  Grandchildren: Haley (DJ) McAfee, Easton (Hunter) Blackstone, Brock Blackstone, Emma Blackstone, and Baylor Bearden all of Big Sandy; Great grandchildren: Kyler McAfee, Whitlee Blackstone, Willow Blackstone, Brylee McAfee, and Kholson Blackstone all of Big Sandy.  Former wife, Linda Blackstone Stewart, and sisters: Joy Marsh of Hallsville, and Flo Green of Gilmer as well as numerous nephews and nieces.  Pat was preceded in death by his son Jeffery Blackstone; his parents, James and Minnie Dee Blackstone, brother, Max Blackstone, and sister, Gay Nell Blackstone Lambert.  

Pat was passionate about his family.  He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He worked hard and showed his family good things come from hard work.  He loved his land.  He was a simple man and tried to instill a “need vs want’ philosophy in each one of his kids and grandkids.  He was a voice of reason to many who knew him.  He was honest, kind, tender hearted, fair, and generous.  He was respected because he was a man of his word.  Pat was quiet and observant.  He always knew what was being said and what was happening but kept it to himself unless he needed to bring it up later.  He did not lecture.  He did not yell.  He was a great man and hero to his family.  He will forever be the epitome of a male role model for generations to come.   

Services for Pat will be held at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.  Visitation will be Friday, March 24, 5:00-7:00 and a Memorial Service will be Saturday, March 25, 10:00.