Vernon LeRoy Blackmer, 96, of Cherry Valley, IL died peacefully in his sleep November 2, 2021, in Belvidere. He was born December 13, 1924, son to Jacob E. and Alfridea A. (Peterson) Blackmer in Irene, IL. He graduated from Belvidere High School and served in the United States Army during the occupation of Japan. Vernon married his sweetheart, Eleanor Hoss, in March, 1951, in Yorkville. He was a farmer and attended Flora Church in Kirkland, IL. Interests include hunting, football, and westerns TV shows. He loved to travel all over with Alaska being his favorite destination. A special memory for him was a gift from his son, Jim. It was a hot air balloon ride that took them up in the sky above his farmland.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Jerold (Liz) Blackmer, Nan (Geno) Cuppini, and Jim (Terri) Blackmer; grandchildren, Courtney, Luke, Whitney, Jeremy, Jake, Matthew, Tina, Tim, Lisa, Bob, and Andy; and 11 great-grandchildren. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eleanor; son, Larry; and brother, Melvin Blackmer. A special thanks to Helen for her excellent care.

A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service, Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial at Flora Cemetery in Kirkland, IL. Pastor John Evans will officiate.In Vernon's honor, memorials can be made to Flora Church. To light a candle or share a memory, please visitwww.AndersonFCS.com.