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Jacob D. Blackburn, 21, of Parsons passed away unexpectedly at 12:02 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, in the emergency room at Labette Health in Parsons.
Jacob’s life story began on Jan. 25, 2002, in Parsons. He grew up in Parsons and was the son of Cassandra Blackburn and Bobby “Bo” Hamilton II, who were his biggest advocates and provided him with excellent care. Jacob attended Parsons schools, graduating from Parsons High School in 2020, “the COVID class.”
It became apparent when Jacob was an infant and toddler that he was going to be a unique and remarkable young man. He would receive an autism diagnosis that would set the course for his life, but not in a way that most people would think about with someone with autism. Jacob may have had autism, however, autism did not have Jacob. This was demonstrated through his outgoing, loving, personable, larger-than-life personality. When someone would meet Jacob, they would often be intimidated by his large stature and frame. However, when people would get to know him, they would often be drawn in by his loving, kind, sweet and gentle spirit. He was certainly a gentle giant whose heart was large as he was. Jacob was all about his family, friends and helping people, including taking care of his father when he had surgery and sitting with his grandmother while she received cancer treatments. Jacob was an affectionate young man who loved giving and receiving hugs and kisses.
Jacob worked at the Parsons school district office, Parsons Elks lodge, King Cash Saver grocery store, G&W Foods in Independence and Ballers Sports Bar and Grill through a community-based program. He also participated in the summer reading program at the Parsons Public Library for several years. Jacob was a pitch-perfect singer who could carry a tune with no vocal training.
He enjoyed many activities such as swimming — no matter if it was a pool, lake, or pond — fishing, reading, hanging out in the backyard, making fires, watching movies, playing on his computer, shopping at garage sales to find good deals and dancing, especially with his momma. He was always up for any adventure that would come his way, including volunteering at the Parsons Community Garden, Parsons State Hospital and Training Center Rodeo, Special Olympics, Fishing Without Boundaries through SKIL and family vacations. Jacob truly defied what it meant to be autistic.
Jacob is survived by his parents, Bobby “Bo” and Casandra Hamilton of the home; and Douglas Dwayne Heiskell of Winfield; his sister, Jesslin Blackburn and her daughter, Evelyn Rhoads, of Parsons; his grandparents, Neil and Denise Frihart of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Terry and Pamala Blackburn of Parsons and Elizabeth Stoneburger of Parsons; his great-grandparents, Johnny and Dorothy Wetzstein of Parsons; several half brothers and sisters; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Gerald Sawyer, Dorothy and Pad Blackburn and Bosco Hamilton.
The service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Jennifer Dawson officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 p.m. until service time. The family suggests memorials to the family to assist with expenses, and these may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
