Dianne Blackmon

Carolyn Dianne Blackmon, age 78, went to her heavenly home on the night of June 21, 2026.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. NEXT Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with the Rev. Dr. David Hardage officiating. The family will receive visitors from 10:30 until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.

Dianne, as she preferred to be called, was the second of four children. She grew up in rural Louisiana with her siblings and parents. Upon attending Louisiana College she met her husband, Larry Blackmon. After the two were wed they spent many years moving between Texas and Arkansas for Larry's ministry. In 1969 they welcomed their first child, Larry Wayne, and in 1971 they welcomed their second, Karla Lynn. In 1996, the family grew quickly with the wedding of Karla to John, and Larry Wayne to Debbie, who brought her three children. Then in 1999 and 2003 the addition of granddaughters, Morgan and Kristen, would change her name once again, this time to Gran.

Although she was often referred to as "the preacher's wife", Dianne was far more than just that. She did her own ministry throughout the years through mission trips (traveling to Australia twice), teaching Sunday School, leading prayer groups, and teaching Vacation Bible School. She also worked as a librarian and a substitute teacher/teacher's aide for many years touching the lives of many students in that time.

Many a Sunday she would be found behind the piano or organ playing the hymns for the day's service. Music was a love of hers and could be heard in her house often whether she was the one playing it on the piano or coming from a CD.

In Larry and Diane's 20+ years at FBC in Hearne, TX they both became members of the Board of Trustees at Latham Springs Baptist Camp and Retreat Center. Upon retirement, after 50 years serving churches, they moved to West, TX. which is 15 miles from Latham. For the next 10 years, Dianne served as the Chairman of the very important Personnel Committee. Under her prayerful guidance of the committee, they brought in Mike Wilson and Ty Dunlap, who helped make Latham the beautiful camp and retreat center that it is today.

Dianne was well known for her cooking. Gumbo, Cajun style seafood, and fabulous desserts always filled her kitchen. Her catering business brought that food out of her home into many different communities, often catering for weddings and church events. Her homemade delicacies made it to 5 different states - each time for a wedding.

She loved her family, always checking in on everyone no matter how far away they were. She doted on her granddaughters whom she taught to decorate cakes, cook Cajun food, did many arts and crafts with, and read bible stories while tucking them in bed. She always made sure everyone had plenty to eat, that her house was spotless, her Christmas decorations were perfect, and that her family was safe and happy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hardy and Minnie Belle Bingham of Jonesville, La; her brothers, Hardy Bingham Jr. of Slidell, LA and Wayne Russell of Vidalia, LA; and many friends.

Dianne is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Larry Blackmon of West, TX; her children, Larry Wayne Blackmon and wife Debbie of Troup, TX, and Karla Ballard and husband John of College Station, TX; her grandchildren, Morgan Hayes and husband Kris of College Station, TX, and Kristen Ballard of College Station, TX; her step-grandchildren, Trisha Harper and husband Shawn of Rusk, TX, Stephen Garrett and wife Amanda of Troup, TX, and Richard Garrett and wife Christal of Troup, TX; her siblings, Wilma Russell of Vidalia, LA, and Arlene Small and husband Mike of Many, LA, Mary Webb and husband Tom of Baton Rouge, LA, Carmack Blackmon and wife Sandra of Baton Rouge, LA, and David Blackmon and wife Ragan of Keller, TX; many nieces and nephews and their families; and five step-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Latham Springs Baptist Camp and Retreat Center or the charity of your choice. If you do choose to send flowers, due to allergies, please avoid roses, lilies and hibiscus.