Joe Walter Blackburn

On Monday, April 26, 2021, Joe Walter Blackburn, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in Norman, OK.

Joe was born in Healdton, OK to Lois (Wilhoit) and Walter Blackburn on September 26, 1932. He graduated from High School and started college at the University of Oklahoma before being drafted into the Navy in 1951 - serving during the Korean Conflict. He sang in the naval choir as well as played on the Navy football team. He was discharged from the Navy in 1954 due to knee injuries suffered while playing football. He spent his entire professional career working as a Logistics Officer at Tinker Air Force Base as a civilian. He retired at the age of 55 in 1987.

Joe married the love of his life, Rosemary (Vinson) Blackburn on December 5, 1954, in Wewoka, OK. They were happily married for 66 years and had 4 children, Joe Mark, Greg, Kristi and Kerri.

Joe loved his family most of all and was known as ‘Papa Joe.’ He was always ready for visits from grandkids with a tray of peanut M&Ms at the ready. He could almost always be found watching old western movies or OU sports, especially football. Even at 88, Joe was always learning new technologies to help him stream his favorite media. The evening before he died, he was watching an old OU football game on YouTube. He enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels in his backyard and rocking on the patio. He was a charter member of Bethel Baptist Church where he held many different positions including, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, and even bus driver. He was a faithful member until his death.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Walter, and his mother, Lois, along with his daughter-in-law, Tina Sheppard Blackburn. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and his 4 children: Joe Mark Blackburn, Greg and Sheila Blackburn, Kristi and Perry Streebin and Kerri and Scott Anderson. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren (with one more on the way). He is also survived by his beloved only sister, Kay and Rick West, brother-in-law, Sam Vinson, and multiple nieces and nephews.