Retired U.S. Air Force SMSgt. Eugene F. Blink Sr., 85, of Troy, IL, born July 9, 1933, in Fulton, IL, passed away on Tuesday April 10, 2018, at St. Louis University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO.

Gene was a long time member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Troy, IL, and Charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council 9266, Troy, IL. He honorably served his Country for 28 years in the United States Air Force active duty during Korean and Vietnam conflicts, retiring with rank of SMSgt. In 1979. Gene was a member of Air Force Sergeants Association and Disabled American Veterans. He cherished his family and was happiest when spending time with them.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Gertrude (nee Van Zuiden) Blink; and his sisters, Anna (Marvin) Sikkema, Mary (Larry) Hoadley and Betty (Edwin) Rathbun.

Surviving are his wife, Mitzi (nee Schneck) Blink of Troy, IL, whom he married May 12, 1956; son, SFC Eugene F. (Wendi) Blink Jr. of Bettendorf, IA; grandchildren, Kevin (Stephanie) Taylor, Katrina (CW2 Jonathan) Davis, Kaitlyn Blink and Kelsey Blink; and a great-grandchild, Olivia Jane Taylor.

Memorials may be made to St. Jerome Catholic Church, Troy, IL. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com.

Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, April 16, 2018 at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, IL, and 9 to 10 am Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Troy, IL.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Troy, IL, with Fr. Paul Habing Officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, IL.