“Kirby,” as he was known by in his youth, was born March 15, 1951 in Oahu, Hawaii to Lt. Col. Robert and Jacquelyn Blickenstaff. As the 3rd of 6 children, Jon was raised in a large, loving, and lively household. The family lived in exciting places, including Hawaii, France, Washington DC, Greece, Germany, and multiple other places across the U.S. Along the way, they formed a strong bond that continues to surround and uplift each of us who is blessed to be or know a Blickenstaff.
In Oct 1969, after graduating high school, Jon enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably in the Vietnam War as a medic helicopter crew chief. In addition to fixing & maintaining his chopper, he flew in multiple missions, helping load and rescue the wounded, assist in care during transport, and protect the aircraft against enemy fire. During this time, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. More importantly, his expertise, bravery, and savviness helped save the lives of an unknown but undoubtedly great number of soldiers.
Following his service, Jon enrolled at Central Texas University the summer of 1971. It was there, in a math class, when he first caught sight of the love of his life and eternal partner, Frances. He treated her to a root beer float from Dairy Queen, a spontaneously-picked bouquet of flowers, and that winning smile. He knew very early that she was The One, and as usual, he was right. Jon and Frances married in Killeen TX May 20, 1972. They welcomed a daughter, Tara, in 1975, and a second daughter, Laura, in 1978.
Jon received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering & Management from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater OK in May 1975, and, later, he earned a Masters of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in Norman OK.
His passion for tinkering with engines, building model airplanes, and solving puzzles fueled his career. He built his very first car and could fix just about anything. As a Petroleum Engineer working for Halliburton, he flourished. His skills and knowledge grew, and he eventually owned and operated multiple businesses, including Mid-America Petroleum Engineering, Inc. and Sequoyah Engineering. He was also a certified expert witness in litigation proceedings involving operational and safety activities of the petroleum industry and served as a state coordinator for the OK State Dept of Health Water Quality Services. He held engineering licenses in multiple states.
Engineering & tinkering weren’t his only passions, however. He also loved flying and was a licensed pilot. He loved square dancing and enjoyed many hours on the dance floor with Frances, wearing matching square dance outfits that she made for them. He loved the water and water skiing. He was a master story-teller and had a deep, soothing voice that drew you in immediately. That same deep voice resonated on a level that was profoundly comforting and made you feel safe. He had a way with words and always knew exactly what to say or how to best guide you into solving things yourself. He had the perfect answer for any problem. He always knew what to do.
Above everything, Jon was a family man. He adored his wife and family and selflessly shared every bit of his love and wisdom with them. He was proud of his family, and he always let them know it. He gave all he had, and the fruits of his sacrifices will continue to brighten the world for endless generations. We will miss his laugh and hugs, but his light will never go out.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jacquie, and his brother, Martin. He is survived by his wife, Frances, 2 daughters and their husbands: Tara & Perry Teeler and Laura & Jeff McCanlies, 5 grandchildren: Austin Guest, Meagan Guest, Madalyn Guest, Sam McCanlies, and Rex McCanlies, 2 brothers and their wives: Joel & Loretta Blickenstaff, and Glen & Suzanne Blickenstaff, 2 sisters and their husbands: Donna & Roy Stern, and Holly & Will Steinberg, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
One of the many tragedies of the current pandemic is that loved ones are not able to be with one another. The family would like to extend our deepest thanks to the wonderful staff at Temple Manor, Willow Park, and Centric Hospice for caring for Jon.
A private, small funeral service will be held for family this month. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation
P.O. Box 5014
Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014
https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate
