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About Eddie Carroll Blackburn
Eddie Carroll Blackburn, 66, passed peacefully in his sleep on November 25, 2025.
Born in Greenfield, Iowa, in 1959 to Zylpha and Carroll “Max” Blackburn, Ed lived a life marked by his sense of humor, adventure, and an immense love for his family.
A native of Malvern, Ed was a standout athlete in High School and at Wayne State College, excelling in both football and track from 1978–1982. He earned All-American honors in both sports and was recognized as a top tight end on the football field and as a two-time high All-American hurdler in track. His speed and determination led to multiple records and ultimately his induction into the WSC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001.
After college, Ed signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos before suffering a career-ending hamstring injury. After graduating in 1982 with a master’s degree in education, Ed moved to Arizona and devoted his career to teaching industrial technology at Desert Shadows Middle School in Apache Junction, Arizona, where he also coached track. He continued in education, training employees at Valleywise Hospital in Phoenix until he retired.
He was industrious and always had a project that he was working on. He was the person everyone called for help when something broke. Ed was happiest outdoors. He loved mountain biking, hiking, and exploring. He even had a thriving garden despite the Arizona heat. His quick wit, easy laugh, and his signature catch phrase “Get out!” made every moment with him fun and unforgettable.
His life was made even richer by Kelly, whose love and companionship brought him warmth, adventure, and happiness. Above all, Ed cherished his family.
Left to carry his legacy forward are his daughters, Amanda (Josh) Fitzsimmons and Amy (Cale) Wolff, and his beloved grandchildren, Zelpha and Calvin. He also leaves behind his siblings and their families; Gwyn, Cheryl, Marsheila, Melonie, and Darin, who he was exceptionally close with.
Ed lived big, loved big, and left a mark no one could ever replace.
A celebration of life will take place in January in Arizona, please reach out to the family for more information.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
6 comments
Steve Peterson
I am sorry for your loss. Ed worked for me as a fieldman at the Mills County ASCS ( now FSA). We used to see who could play the best pranks on each other. I think he won that contest. His best ones were the random noise maker that he hid in my office ceiling and the bull snake in a bag. He was a great guy. He will be missed.
Michael Stewart
A beautiful tribute to a man who was clearly loved by his family, friends, teammates and coaches. What more can you say about a man who lived with kindness and humility?
Steve Neuharth
We all will miss Ed. Seems too young to pass away. Just had a very long phone conversation before his SWI hall of fame induction and later got to talk to his sister and him later at a classmate’s funeral. He was super easy to coach as was his high school football, basketball and track coach for 4 years. I joked with him as to how we started to get him to do the hurdles which he graciously thanked me for. He got first in the highs and lows and third in the long jump as a senior at state track meet. My wife and I saw him play football at Wayne his first 2 years. Dedicated dad to his wife and daughters in soccer. Will be missed by all.
Mary Jane Gilbert
I moved to Malvern with my husband in 1968 when our daughter Amy was born. Bill had started teaching elementary vocal music in Malvern in 1964 so he had Eddie and Darin as students and perhaps some of the girls too. I’m not sure when they graduated. It was such a joy and a privilege to know the entire Blackburn family.Max and Zylpha were wonderful people who taught their kids to value family relationships and to serve their community. I am one of five girls who were taught to love each other and remain close so I know what that means. I don’t know many families that have had more fun together than the Blackburns. They have made family a priority, spent as much time together as they possibly could and created a lifetime of happy memories. Eddie was the amazing athlete that all of the younger kids adored and aspired to imitate. His legacy as an athlete will last a long time but his legacy as a brother, father and grandfather will last much longer. I’m so sorry that you had to say goodbye for now but I believe in Jesus so I’m praying that he is in heaven right now. My heartfelt sympathy to each one of you.
Arld Johnson
Sorry for your loss. Ed and I were WSC track teammates. We developed a great friendship during our three years together at WSC. So close we had nicknames for each other. Ed was the most humble person I have ever met. Doc always said that you could never tell if Ed won or lost his hurdle race because his emotions never changed. He was such a special athlete and a great teammate. I loved watching the reactions of the 4 X 100 anchors when all 6’5” of Ed would pull up alongside of them in the final meters of race. They were so surprised to see big Ed come alongside of them they lost all running form allowing him to pull away with ease. The last year+ I was able to see and enjoy Ed’s Facebook posts. I very much look forward to reconnecting with Ed when I get to heaven. My wife and I are planning on spending time in Arizona early part of 2026. It would be an honor to meet all his family and to share our WSC stories with you. In our prayers. Arld (AJ) Johnson
Jim savio
I attended WSC with Ed. Ed lived on our floor in Berry Hall. Great guy well mannered. I am so sorry to hear of his passing .