UTICA: Leland E. Blacksten, 84, of Utica, OHIO, passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2011 with his loving family at his side.

Leland was born in Newark, OHIO (Licking County) on March 17, 1927 to the late John and Wave (Reynard) Blacksten

He attended Newark and Homer, Ohio city schools.
On June 20, 1945 he entered into the United States Army and proudly served his country during WWII seeing action in both France and Germany.
After the war he came home to Utica and returned to his position at the Cooper-Bessemer plant in Mount Vernon, OH as an engine builder and mechanic. He retired after 40 years of faithful service. Leland was a hard worker and believed in the value of hard work.
He was also an avid wood worker making wooden models of the engines that he would build at Cooper-Bessemer.

Along with Leland's parents; he is also preceded in death by his first wife. Mary (Cline) Blacksten.

Leland's survivors include his wife, Dorothea Blacksten; sons, Larry (Pat) Blacksten, Robert Blackstone; grandchildren, Brad (Theresa) Blacksten, Brent (Lori) Blacksten, Robby Blacksten, and Jeremy (Elayna) Blacksten; great grandchildren, Chase, Ryan, Zoe, and Kamryn; great great grandson, Maverick.He is also survived by his brother, Jack (Dorothea) Blacksten.

Private graveside services will be held at the Homer Cemetery, in Homer Ohio on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Criss-Schoedinger Funeral Home, 179 Granville St. Newark, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to he hospice of Central Ohio in Leland's honor.

Visit www.CrissSchoedinger.com to sign an online guest book or to share a story about Leland.