Lester J. Blackburn

Lester J.J. Blackburn, 61, of Sarasota, Florida went to heaven Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at his home in his Wizard of Oz bedroom surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Sarasota, Florida, J.J. was a son of the late, Dr. Lester H. Blackburn and Ruthelo S. Blackburn. J.J. attended the Student Learning Center, followed by his time at Children’s Haven of Sarasota and Loveland of Venice. He was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church (First Church) downtown Sarasota. J.J. was awarded many medals for the 25 years he was in special Olympics for bowling, softball throw and 50-meter dash. He loved going to church, the movies, going out to eat and shopping, especially at Christmas time. J.J. loved going to Disney twice a year for at least 35 years. He loved being in the pool and just making baskets in the hoop and water polo. When he lived on the key, he loved to take his binoculars and watch the boats go under the bridge. He enjoyed going to the dances at Children’s Haven and Loveland. In addition to his birth parents, J.J. is preceded in death by his older brother, Larry G. Blackburn of Sarasota. He is survived by his sister and adopted mother, Leslie R. Collier and her husband his adopted father, Larry J. Collier of Sarasota, Florida; Anita Zovath and her husband, John of Miami, Peggy Blackburn, Adam Q. Collier, Aron M. Collier and Sophia L. Collier all of Sarasota; many nieces and nephews whom he loved, Mary Beth Blackburn, Becky Walter, Charlie Blackburn and Jennifer Zovath; great nieces and nephews, Zack Chartrand, Jacob Chartrand, Jack Walter, Seth Walter, Tori Walter, Anni Walter, Ava Blackburn and Lily Blackburn. J.J. never met a person who he didn’t like and whomever met J.J. loved him on the spot. The family will receive friends Friday April 29, 2022, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 North Orange Avenue Sarasota 34236. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday morning April 30, 2022, at First United Methodist Church (First Church) of Sarasota in the sanctuary. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall at the church. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Florida Special Olympics, 1915 Don Wickham Drive Clermont, FL 34711 or First United Methodist Church (First Church) of Sarasota.

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Lester J. Blackburn

February 15, 1961 - April 20, 2022