Albert Blackburn

Albert “Wrede” Blackburn Wrede Blackburn, age 88, of Laurel, Florida, died February 24, 2009. He was born July 19, 1920, on the bayshore of Laurel, Florida, and lived there most of his life. He was a descendent of the early pioneer settlers who homesteaded in this area in the 1880’s. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the European theater. He was a lifetime cattle rancher, well-known in the Venice community for his outgoing, friendly personality. Wrede was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, Venice, Florida, serving his Lord as a deacon and in several leadership capacities. His greatest joy was his marriage of 62 years and his family. His love of this area, nature, and the outdoors was evident by his expertise in cast-net fishing and smoking mullet. Anyone who knew him, loved him, and always remembered him. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, of Laurel, Florida; one son, Daniel, and his wife, Cathy, of Venice, Florida; two daughters, Janet Ward and her husband, Johnny, of Ponce de Leon, Florida, and Betty Freant of Nokomis, Florida; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 PM, Saturday, February 28, 2009, at Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel. Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, March 1, 2009, at First Baptist Church, Venice, Florida. Burial will be at Osprey Cemetery, Osprey, Florida, following the service.