John Blackburn Obituary

BLACKBURN
Dr. John Dennis Blackburn passed away on a beautiful Memorial Day evening, May 28, 2012 surrounded by his four children, John, David, Paul and Heather as well as other family and friends. Dennis was 78 years old and died after a prolonged battle with a neurodegenerative disease. Dennis was born September 4, 1933 at the Nix Hospital in San Antonio to John Daugherty Blackburn and Ruth Beasley Blackburn. He grew up in Junction, Texas, graduating from Junction High School in 1951. He then attended Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine before transferring to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He graduated with honors (Alpha Omega Alpha) in 1959. He married Beverly Jane Dyer that same year. Together they had four children. After completing an Internship in General Practice, Dr. Blackburn entered the US Air Force receiving training as a Flight Surgeon and OB/GYN at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George's County Maryland. He practiced medicine in Dimmitt, Texas and then returned to his home town of Junction. Dr Blackburn was quoted as saying "I would rate my priorities in life as God first, my family and friends second, the practice of medicine third and myself fourth." In 1981, Dr. Blackburn founded Thousand Oaks Family Practice and Minor Emergency Clinic, which was the first free standing minor emergency facility in San Antonio. He maintained the clinic with loving devotion to his patients and loyal staff until illness forced him to retire in 2008. Dennis loved missionary work and collecting Southwestern and Mexican art and antiques. His missionary work included travels to remote areas of Mexico where he founded a medical mission station in the Tarahumara region of Chihuahua, Mexico. As a father he was pillar of support for his family throughout their lives. He showed an unconditional love for his children and grandchildren. As a friend he was warm, welcoming, and always available. He was a mentor to many and himself an avid learner. He is survived by his son John Dennis Blackburn Jr.; son Dr. David Blackburn and wife Janet and their children Megan, Sarah, Brad and Matt; son Paul Blackburn and wife Kimberly and their daughter Katie Wynn; and daughter Heather Blackburn and her daughter, Preslee. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Jane Dyer Blackburn and many loyal friends, including his long time office nurse Beatrice Valdez and close companions Kay Kerr and Michelle Newman. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ann Blackburn Lumbley.

MEMORIAL SERVICE
SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012
1:00 P.M.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
904 MAIN STREET JUNCTION TX

MEMORIAL SERVICE
SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012
4:00 P.M.
SONTERRA COUNTRY CLUB
901 SONTERRA BOULEVARD

Friends who wish to make donations in lieu of flowers can give to Harvest Evangelistic Association, PO Box 700067, San Antonio, Texas 78270.
You are invited to sign
the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com
Arrangements with:

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on May 31, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John Blackburn

13 Entries

Judy Arnold Gretz

July 6, 2024

Even though Dr. Blackburn has been gone over 14 years, I would like to pay tribute to the Dr. who cared for me as a 12 year old with rheumatic fever. The disease was a long process and very hard but my parent and myself could always count on him. I have been a nurse for 53 years and achieved a doctorate in nursing in my career. I taught at two prestigious universities and took my research to Australia but loved being at the bedside in NICU as my favorite nurse place caring for the smallest and most vulnerable humans. Dr. Blackburn influenced me in my career choice during the time he was in Dimmitt Texas. I just wanted to share my story with his family. He was a big part of my life even to this day. So many memories of his loving care.

Jeanette Seely Williamson

June 12, 2012

I had lost touch with where Dr Blackburn was,but sooo sad to hear of his death. I'm from Dimmitt.Tx and he was my Dr all through my childhood and until I was 19.
Dr Blackburn was the most kind ,caring Dr I have every had. So glad to read his accomplishment and I now am a nurse working for a Dr who is so much like Dr Blackburn. My prayers are with your family as you go through this time is you life. Jeanette Seely Williamson

Henry Naranjo

June 12, 2012

Great Man, Great pillar to socielty. Doc, you will be missed by all. Wonderful neighbor too!
Henry

June 9, 2012

Paul and your entire family -
My deepest condolences. Peace be with you.

-Garland Keilman and family
Hondo, Texas

Isabel Escalante

June 2, 2012

R.I.P. Dr B

jack isaac

June 1, 2012

Dearest sweet friend, may you rest with the angels. The loving care of both you and Bea have added years to my life and taught me the blessing of unconditional friendship and compassion. God bless you Dennis. God bless you also, Bea.

Liz Barrera @ Alamo Barter Corp.

June 1, 2012

Dr. B, We will forever miss you and your wonderful office, But you will never be forgotten! You were our great friend & Dr. Rest our dear friend. Your Alamo Barter Family & Friends

Ella Hamilton McBride

June 1, 2012

Dear, dear Dr. Blackburn. I was so sad to hear the news today and want the family to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our family moved to San Antonio in January '82 and appeared at his clinic a short time later with one of our six children with an emergency. That was the beginning of 12 wonderful years of his friendship and knowing some of his children. Miss Bea was so special. They both always had time for me. One of my sons who continued to live in San Antonio continued to go to him and called me today with the sad news. He was SO kind and when we opened St. Jude's Home for Children he wanted to be a part of it and took care of ALL the children that came through from '84 thru '94. After I moved away I would go by to see him whenever I was in town. He had such a wonderful smile and always wanted to know about all the family and all the children from St. Jude's. He was SO proud of all his children and was quick to share news of them. I thank God that Dr. B was such a big part of our lives!

God bless you all and enjoy that huge storehouse of memories he left you.

Ella Schutt Hamilton McBride

Robert Escobedo

May 31, 2012

I am saddend by the news of Dr. Blackburns passing. RIP Dr. Blackburn, I wish more doctors would take the time to listen too there patients it provided much needed comfort and confidence.

Good Bless the Blackburn Family in this time of sorrow.

Cheryl Henry

May 31, 2012

I met Dr. Blackburn while I served as a missionary in Oaxaca, Mexico. Yes, he indeed did much to provide medical attention to those with the greatest needs. God bless his family and friends during this time.

Darlene

May 31, 2012

We are so sad to hear this news. We as a family loved Dr. B. He was always showed us great love during all the years we have known him. With an open heart he helped us so much in Oaxaca on many trips He will be greatly missed and remembered fondly always, not what he did but for who he was.

Darlene True for the entire True Family.

Craig Franklin

May 31, 2012

I love and will miss Dr. B. He has been a very important person in my life. He was our SWT Alumni Physician and Mentor after we graduated from college and provided us with so many good times in San Antonio at his house and on his boats! We love you Dr. B. Craig Franklin

Linda Reno

May 31, 2012

Iam Art J. Reno's widow;Art used take medications from the Dr. to a orphange in Oaxaca where he used to do clinic's.
They made a few trips to Oaxaca to visit the orphans and help in whatever they could do for them there.Thank you for your faithful service not only in the mission field but as a Dr. who helped many people.RIP.Your journey on earth is over and now you are in heaven rejoicing.

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