Bob Blackman
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Bob was often called a Renaissance man, “a fully rounded person, knowledgeable in many areas, including the sciences, arts, and humanities.” To that, his family would add that he was the one who got the call when the car wouldn’t start, the disposal was jammed, or help was needed to get an oversized mattress down a narrow flight of stairs. Bob was the first call when a trusted Volkswagen needed a tow. He improvised with his equipment more than once by taking his belt out of the loops and using it as the tow rope. He was always available and ready to roll up his sleeves and go to work whenever his family needed him. This philosophy was also how he spent 28 years working Monday through Friday at Olathe High School, where he was a guidance counselor with an open-door policy to anyone who needed advice, encouragement, counsel, or simply someone to talk to.
Bob was born in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, on August 1, 1928. He died on September 7, at Foxwood Springs in Raymore, Missouri, where he and his wife Nancy had lived for the past 13 years. When Bob graduated from high school, he joined the Army and was stationed in Pisa, Italy. His musical ability was recognized, and he was asked to form a band with the German prisoners of war. He didn’t speak German (or Italian), but he shared the language of music with his band, communicating with notes, not words.
He met his wife, Nancy, at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. They were married after he graduated, and on August 29th, they celebrated their 71st anniversary. He had a special evening planned 71 years ago that included a marriage proposal, but he couldn’t wait. Bob pulled off the highway under a Miller High Life billboard and popped the question. Nancy said yes, and on every anniversary since, including this last one, he would tell everyone that he still couldn’t believe she said yes.
They had four children: Robin Blackman of Kansas City, MO (Jim Cumley); Laurie Sunderland of Boulder, Colorado; Susan Ketterman of South Egremont, Massachusetts (John Clarke); and Tom Blackman of Olathe (Renee Barta). They also have five grandchildren: Thomas Sunderland, Grant Sunderland, Emery Golson, Randi Jo Blackman, and Evan Blackman, as well as five great-grandchildren.
Bob was a curious man with many hobbies, most of them worked on in the garage, which never had a car parked inside. Instead, it became the headquarters for Bob’s many creations, which included everything from making furniture to carving intricate designs and figures to building a telescope that he spent countless hours working on in an unheated garage. His biggest project was building a sailboat. The maiden voyage was at a nearby lake and before pushing the newly crafted boat into the water, he announced that he had no idea if the boat would float or sink. Thankfully, it did float, and it became another weekend hobby.
He taught his children, his students, and anyone who knew him the power of kindness and the beauty of living with a “glass half-full” attitude. At age 90, he connected with a few musicians at his retirement facility and formed a jazz band where he played the coronet. Playing music was one of his greatest passions, and even at age 96, he still played with strength and soul, never using sheet music, always by ear. His last concert was ten days before he died. His love of jazz began in high school when he would sneak out of his house and hitchhike to jazz clubs in Kansas City, where he was given opportunities to take the stage, eventually playing with the band The Scamps. Expressing himself through notes played on his horn was one of his greatest joys, and although they wouldn’t let him play his coronet in rehab, his mouthpiece was on the table next to his bed. One of the nurses said they weren’t crazy about him using the mouthpiece due to breathing issues, but they weren’t about to take it away from him as it gave him so much joy. Two days before his passing, when he was beginning to fade, a video was shared with him playing a solo during a recent concert. His eyes were closed, but he had a big smile on his face, and his foot began to mark time under the blankets. When asked if he knew who it was playing, he shook his head and said, “No, but he sure is good.” He got that right. He sure was good.
His kindness, his smile, and his “today is going to be my best day” attitude will be forever missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to:
Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 8306 E. 171st St., Belton, Missouri 64012 or Bella Hospice Care, 1500 W. Foxwood Dr., Suite A, Raymore, Missouri 64083, 816-892-9211.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on October 8th at Foxwood Springs Senior Living, 500 Mott Dr., Raymore, Missouri 64083, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
This was a great tribute to Bob. I had the pleasure and honor of working with him at Olathe High School. He was smart, creative, positive and kind. My condolences to Bob’s family. He definitely lived a full life.
Never would had graduated with out you! I told you I was scared to tell my dad! You told me to go study for Gov class and o would be alright I did and ended up passing! Thanks for everything Mr B
He was a giant in education. Quietly making a difference in so many kids lives. Godspeed Mr Blackman. You were one of my favorites.
The Ellington family, Bee, Sam, Andy and Lex sincerely send our condolences. The Olathe High School community is forever.
Susan, so sorry to hear about your dad. A fine man whose influence certainly helped to make you the special person you are. My profound sympathy to you and all of your family.
Never met a better person than Bob. He was my mentor at Olathe High School which later became Olathe North. I learned so much from Bob about life, getting over the bumpy parts, and enjoying the simple things. He tried so hard to teach me not to sweat the small stuff and to concentrate on what could actually make a situation better. Not sure some of that good teaching took hold at that point, but he made me a better person. I am grateful to have been a part of his life (and Nan’s), and I am so grateful for all the life lessons he imparted to me. After I retired from the Olathe school district and moved to Florida, we kept in touch with occasional letters and phone calls. Bob was always so upbeat, and a conversation with him always lifted my heart. The world has lost a truly marvelous man! I will keep you in my heart forever, Bob!
What a loss. Bob was a Foxwood gem that will be greatly missed by our community. His family has much to be proud of in the way he lived his life, both as a young man..and in his later years. I’ll miss my chats with him very much. RIP, Bob. 😇
I have often thought about how Mr. Blackman’s smile and his kindness made high school feel like a safe place to be. He was someone I could talk to about anything and know that he would guide me, without judgment. He certainly left his mark in the world and in the lives of all he touched. My condolences to Mrs. Blackman and to the entire family.
Laurie, so sorry for your families loss! I send my condolences to you and your family! What a legacy Mr “B” has left behind. Your family has every right to be proud! He lived a long and happy life! Sending prayers, many hugs to get you through the coming days and hours ahead!
What a wonderful, interesting, & fulfilled life as well as a family legacy left to follow. Sending my comfort & warm remembrances to Laurie & the family.
Thanks Mr. Blackman
During his time as a high school counselor, he worked evenings at the new JCCC. He was my first counselor in 1971, meeting with me at the old Merriam Grade school. He helped me make my first program plan.
Dear Tom, Renee and family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. Praying for strength at this difficult time. It’s never easy to say goodbye, my father also went to heaven on September 7th, but in 1995. Sending love ❤️ your way.
Renata & Luis
What a loving tribute to this cherished soul. Joe and I are holding you all in our hearts.
This is such a beautiful tribute to your father. Although I did not know him, this makes me wish I had!!! It seems that all who knew Bob were blessed by his friendship and counsel. What a gift to leave the world. All my sympathy and love to the Blackman family.
Thank you for sharing Bob with us at Foxwood! I have had the pleasure of interacting with him almost every day for the last nine years! He was always happy & willing to share his stories and talents with us all! I enjoyed listening to him talk about his life adventures & seeing him play w/ the Foxwood Brass! That group is amazing and has brought so much joy to Foxwood!
He will be missed greatly by us all here!
We had the privilege of growing up next to the Blackman family. I will always remember Bob as having the most gracious smile and joyful attitude. He and Nan were the best neighbors, and I will forever remember him and his wife for the Harvey Wallbanger cake.