M. Bernard Blackston

M. Bernard Blackston, 79, of Phenix City, AL passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, August 10, 2017 in the comfort of his home.

Funeral services will be held Sunday evening, August 13, 2017 at 5:00 pm EDT at Vance Memorial Chapel in Phenix City with Rev. Joseph Nichols officiating. Interment with Military honors will follow Monday morning at 11:00 am EDT.  Family and friends will meet Monday morning by 10:00 am at Vance Memorial Chapel and leave in procession by 10:30 am to Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, all are welcome.  The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon prior to service from 3:00 to 5:00 pm EDT at the funeral home.

Mr. Blackston was born September 2, 1937 in Buena Vista, GA to the late Leonard Blackston and Mattie Bell Watson Blackston.  He was retired from Civil Service as a heavy mobile equipment inspector at Fort Benning.  Mr. Blackston served our country proudly and was a Veteran of the United States Air Force.  He was a member of the VFW, and enjoyed repairing and tinkering with motors in his shop.  He loved the outdoors, and was a Christian by faith.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carolyn Norris Blackston, his children, Cathy Crowson and husband David, Greg Blackston, Sam Bishop and husband Jared, and Alicia Gayler, two sisters, Barbara Gauthier, and Sandra Martin, and one brother, Alton Blackston, (7) grandchildren, Bryan and Jamie Boyette, Jeremy and Lynsey Boyette, Joseph and Brooke Nichols, Bailey and Kortnei Seabury, Austin Gayler, Hannah Bishop, and Hunter Bishop (10) great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, extended family, and many caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Columbus Hospice.  Online condolences may be shared at www.vancememorialchapel.net