Obituary for Dee Blackburn

Dee H. Blackburn

July 12, 1950 – December 4, 2023

Dee Blackburn, resident of Nardin, OK, passed away on Monday, December 4th, 2023 at the age of 73. Despite his untimely death at Integris SW Hospital in Oklahoma City, his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and loved ones he leaves behind.

Dee was born on July 12th, 1950 in Sterling, Kansas, and was the second of three children of Otis D Blackburn and Altus L. (Higgins) Blackburn. He was raised in Blackwell, OK, the area in which he would return to spend most of his life. He graduated from Blackwell High School, and received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, OK. Upon graduating high school, Dee served our country in the National Guard for six years. Throughout his life, he worked various jobs, including pursuing a long career in the oilfield.

Outside of work, Dee was a devoted an loving husband, father, and grandfather. There was nothing that he loved and cared for more than his family, especially his children. Dee claimed that he “devoted his life to raising children,” which is a fact that is clearly evident to those that knew him. He constantly shared his passions and hobbies with his family and loved ones throughout his life. He greatly enjoyed raising cattle and managing his farm, where he would often host family. Dee also spent much of his time in the outdoors, and he created many treasured memories hunting, fishing, and camping with his children and grandchildren – many of whom continue these hobbies in their own lives and with their own families. Additionally, he could often be found working on cars with his friends or riding his motorcycle around the country. Dee was caring, quick-witted, good-humored, sometimes silly, and often stubborn. He loved and was proud of his family more than anything, and his family will continue to carry that love with them.

Dee is survived by his wife Maria Blackburn of Nardin, OK; brother Dwight Blackburn of Mannford, OK; sister Pam Wornkey and husband Tim of Ellinwood, KS; his children, Darren Blackburn and wife Amy of West Columbia, TX; Sabra Blackburn of Yukon, OK; Kelci McNeill and husband Ryne of Moore, OK; Albany Blackburn of Berkeley, CA; Adriana Blackburn of Nardin, OK; Emmon Blackburn of Nardin, OK; 13 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20th, 2023 at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Blackwell, OK. Burial will follow at the Blackwell Cemetery, under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Darren Blackburn will officiate. Casket bearers will be Blaine Olivo, Noah Blackburn, Justin Blackburn, Emmon Blackburn, Cody Wornkey, and Blake Wornkey. Serving as honorary casket bearers will be Jeff Cohlmia, Les Burk, and Daniel Shoats.