Robert O'Neal Blackburn

In Fort Worth, Texas, on Monday, April 18, 1960, Robert O’Neal Blackburn was born to Dorothy Mae Holmes and Robert Silas Blackburn, Jr., the third of their four children. His siblings, Llewellyn Adrian Blackburn (Donna), Pamela Berthenia Blackburn-Burnley (Larry), and Darryl Andre Blackburn made for a lively bunch. During his early years, in 1962, Robert moved with his family to Dallas Texas after his father’s job promotion. Robert was a Christian and baptized at an early age by Rev. C. B. T. Smith of Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church, where he was an active Cub Scout and Boy Scout for many years. Childhood was important to Robert.

In Dallas, Robert attended Dallas Independent School District; William Brown Miller Elementary School, Albert Sidney Johnston Elementary School, Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School, and graduated from Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in 1978. At his father’s alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, Robert earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1982, before serving in the United States Navy for two years, with an honorable discharge. Education was important to Robert.

Robert is the father of Michael Cox, the only child he raised to become a gentle man. Michael is quiet like his dad, whom he affectionately called “Old Man”. Many joys of Robert’s later years were with granddaughter, London Cox. Oh, how Robert cherished having her around or talking with her on the phone. He enjoyed his last conversation. While cancer consumed Robert, his siblings, nieces, and nephews took care of him. Family was important to Robert.

Following in his mother’s career path, Robert taught Algebra and other Mathematic courses at several high schools in Dallas Independent School District, including David W. Carter, W.W. Samuell, Franklin S. Roosevelt, and finally James Madison. Students, athletes, and colleagues admired him. They were important to Robert.

While on the Roosevelt High School track team, Robert excelled, helping the team win many events, meets, and championships, Coached by the legendary Earnest James. He later coached girls golf and track teams at Roosevelt and Madison high schools, continuing the winning spirit. Athletics was important to Robert.

In the early hours of Wednesday, February 17, Robert called Michael one last time to his bedroom, saying he thought he had gone home. Was it a dream, or maybe the gentle quiet voice of God calling Robert O’Neal Blackburn’s name, to come home? A short time later, with his body succumbed to cancer, Robert answered the call and went home, following the paths of his mother and father. Family Reunions were important to Robert.

Many other relatives mourn and will miss Robert, including nephews and nieces Lew Blackburn, Jr. (Tes), Dorsha Blackburn, Clinton Blackburn (Michelle), Dorlisa Blackburn-Randolph (Victor), Curtis Burnley (Talesha), Preston Burnley (Brittney), D’Andrea Todd, and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts. Friends and colleagues will remember Robert

Blackburn, the Mathematics Teacher, the Coach, the neighbor, the long-time friend, especially Reno Savala, his buddy since childhood. Robert was important to them.

Robert O’Neal Blackburn will be mourned, missed, and remembered. He lived a good life. Rest well Robert. Good night. We’ll see you in the morning. Amen!