Dr. John P. Blackburn, 83 of Bowling Green, died Monday, October 2, 2017 at his residence. The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania native was the son of the late Dr. Winfrey P. and May V. Blackburn; he was raised in Frankfort, KY. He graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1958, then completed a residency in general and thoracic surgery at the University of Virginia (UVA). He was in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 9 years prior to active duty during which time he was a Captain and surgeon in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fl. He and his family then moved to Bowling Green where he had a surgical practice until his retirement in 1998. Dr. Blackburn was a Rotarian and a long-time member of the Commonwealth Health Corporation, Medical Center at BG, and Commonwealth Health Foundation Boards.

First and foremost, he loved spending time with family. He also enjoyed restoring antique tractors and jeeps as well as gardening. Dr. Blackburn was a member of First Christian Church where he sang in the choir for 40 years. He was a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (ACS); Former President of the Kentucky Chapter of the ACS; and an active member of the Kentucky Medical Association, Kentucky Surgical Society, Southeastern Surgical Society, and Muller-Jones Surgical Society at UVA.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Donna S. Blackburn, and their 8 children: John Mark Blackburn (Geri), Sarah Blackburn Woodall (Gilbert), William P. Blackburn (Stephanie), Ginny Blackburn Griffin (Brad Conner), Ashley Napier Polk (Ken), Amy Napier Buser (Mike), Laura Blackburn Deaton (John), and Mary Neale Blackburn Saunders (Philip); 14 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Dr. Blackburn is survived by 3 brothers: Dr. James E. Blackburn (Pat), Winfrey P. Blackburn, Jr. and David Blackburn (Kay); and several nieces and nephews.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of a donation to the Drs. John and Donna Blackburn Nursing Scholarship Fund at WKU or First Christian Church, 1106 State Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101.