Thomas Gary Blackson, 74

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Thomas Gary Blackson, of Chestertown, died Wednesday, April 2, 2008, in Chester River Hospital, Chestertown. He was 74.

Mr. Blackson was born Feb. 24, 1934, in Havre de Grace, son of the late Thomas and Mildred (Montgomery) Blackson.

He was a graduate of Havre de Grace High School in 1952, and attended Salisbury State College.

He enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean Conflict.

After his honorable discharge, he attended Maryland Institute of Art for architecture and worked with his family's construction business.

In 1983 he began his career with Aberdeen Proving Ground as a carpenter and later as a locksmith, retiring in 1996 due to his health.

He enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader.

His memberships included Havre de Grace Lions Club, serving as president; life member of the American Legion Post 47 in Havre de Grace and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 652 in Millington; and Bay Country Moose Lodge 831 in Grasonville.

He was a lifelong member of the Havre de Grace United Methodist Church.

Mr. Blackson and his wife of 42 years, Cynthia (Littell) Blackson, moved from Havre de Grace to Millington in 1979, and in 1994 they made Chestertown their home.

He was preceded in death by a son, Gary Lee Blackson, in 2001.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his son, Thomas A. Blackson and his wife Kelly of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a sister, Jane Stanton and her husband Harold of Conner, Mont.; a brother, Herbert Blackson and good friend Louis Gonzales of Austin, Texas; two grandsons, Wyatt and Jarrett Blackson of Scottsdale; and cherished nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be offered to the Kent & Queen Anne's Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 126, Chestertown, MD 21620; or Chester River Home Care and Hospice, 6602 Church Hill Road, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Arrangements are by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech.