Robert Ray Blackburn

 

Robert (Bob) Ray Blackburn, 82, Indianapolis, passed away on December 27, 2023 after a brief illness. He was born on February 24, 1941 in Mount Vernon, Ohio to Ray Kennedy Blackburn and Edith Irene (Metcalf) Blackburn.  Bob graduated from Fredericktown High School in 1959 and not long after followed his family west to Ogden, Utah where he began his career in civil service and met his lifelong love Mary Ann (married 58 years).  He worked and moved to further his career and retired after serving more than 35 years as a civilian computer systems analyst for the Department of Defense.

 

Bob lived and worked in Indianapolis, Indiana for the last 45 years growing his family and serving his community. In 1981, he brought scouting to his neighborhood forming Cub Scout Pack 52 and subsequently Boy Scout Troop 52 and served as the first Cubmaster and Scoutmaster for both. His devotion to Scouting helped instill a love of nature and service in his sons. Bob was a member of the Beech Grove Masonic Lodge #694 for 25 years holding the offices of Past Master and Secretary. Bob was a longtime member at St. Lukes United Methodist Church of Indianapolis and traveled on several relief missions to Honduras. He would later worship with his family at Fishers United Methodist Church. Bob had a strong civic duty and was an election poll worker for several years.

 

Throughout his life, Bob loved to work with his mind and hands building, fixing, or replacing whatever he could at home.  He also loved to get in early on new technology from home computers and video games, diesel engines, and was a proud owner of a Betamax recording system.

 

Bob’s real passions were his family and travel. Through personal and work travels, he was able to visit four different continents (Europe, Asia, North and South America), nearly all fifty states, numerous National Parks and Monuments and his favorite place Walt Disney World. His love of Disney tech and magic has been passed down to his sons and all his grandchildren.

 

Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ann (Stone) Blackburn; son Michael and grandchildren Ryan Blackburn, Katelyn Blackburn; son Jason (Sara) and grandchildren Jillian Blackburn and Jack Blackburn; brother Don (Catherine) Blackburn and nephew Sean Blackburn.  He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jean Marie Blackburn, and daughter-in-law Kris Blackburn.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fishers United Methodist Church Come To Me Food Pantry.

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Visitation service will be held Wednesday, January 3rd from 3:00pm to 4:00pm at Flanner Buchanen – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite) 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250.  A Masonic service will begin there at 4:00pm, immediately followed by a memorial service.  Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.