Michael “Mike” Blackburn, Sr. of Tullahoma passed away peacefully at his home after an extended illness on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at the age of 84.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Stephen A. Klasek officiating. Private family inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from noon – 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church

Mike was born in Chicago, IL to the late Alfonso and Elizabeth (Weiglein) Blackburn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life of 57 years, Midge, and their son, Jeffrey, as well as two brothers, Alfonso Blackburn, Jr. and Patrick Blackburn, Sr. of Chicago, IL.

He is survived by his sons, Michael, Jr. (Susan) Blackburn, of Tullahoma and Robert (Yasmina) Blackburn of Elk Grove Village, IL, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Mike’s amazing legacy as a self-taught auto mechanic and his love of teaching what he knew, his family has requested donations be made to SEMA, which provides scholarships to students pursuing studies in automotive mechanics. https://sites.sema.org/scholarships/donations/.

Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneralhome.com.

Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Oct. 8, 2025