Date Of Birth: September 6, 1919
Date Of Death: September 21, 2006
Â’37 Parkersburg H.S. Graduate DiesDr. Howard R. Blackburn, 87, died September 21. He was born on September 6, 1919 in Tulare, South Dakota.A 1937 Parkersburg High School graduate, he attended Asbury College for two years before earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville, where he then received his medical degree in September, 1944.A WWII veteran, Dr. Blackburn served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy medical core stationed aboard the USS Carrier Cardbay in the South Pacific. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Dr. Blackburn had a general medical practice in Marietta, Ohio. He later studied to specialize in radiology at University of Southern California and University of Pennsylvania Medical School.In 1951, he reenlisted in the US Navy at Camp Le Jeune Naval Base where he served his internship in radiology. He was discharged in 1955 and moved to Louisville.He was married to Ruth Ann Gallagher on June 3, 1956 and practiced radiology in Louisville and served on the staff of Norton Infirmary. Dr. Blackburn relocated to Noblesville, Indiana in 1962. Upon arriving in Indiana, Dr. Blackburn served as chief radiologist for Riverview Hospital from 1962 until 1982. Until retiring in 1999, Dr. Blackburn provided his medical services at various locations in Kentucky; Charity Hospital in New Orleans; and Naval Hospital in Havelock, NC.Dr. Blackburn attended Hope Church with his family beginning 1962 and later Faith Missionary Church where he became an active member and remained so until recent years when he began attending Grace Church in Noblesville.While residing in Noblesville, Dr. Blackburn has been actively involved in many civic and philanthropic organizations and served as past president of the Noblesville Kiwanis Club and the Hamilton Southeastern Booster Club and as a board member of Central Indiana Youth for Christ.An avid barbershop quartet singer, Dr. Blackburn was a fifty year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and performed as a member of the international champion Louisville Thorobred Chorus in 1962. Dr. Blackburn attended many annual barbershop conventions throughout the United States, including the most recent convention held this summer in Indianapolis. Dr. Blackburn produced a musical album entitled Barbershopping in Brass featuring brass instruments performing barbershop harmony.Dr. Blackburn also enjoyed building, collecting and refurbishing trains of all sizes, from models to full-size train cars. A founding member of the Kentucky Railway Museum and the Illinois Railway Museum; Dr. Blackburn was instrumental in the creation of the Indiana Transportation Museum, where he was still actively involved on a daily basis.Visitation will be held at Faith Missionary Church, 9125 N. College Ave, Indianapolis, Sunday, September 24 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Funeral services will be immediately following at the church. A private burial service will be held on Monday, September 25, at Oaklawn Cemetery. Dr. Blackburn is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; sons Roger and John Blackburn; daughter Beth Blackburn Boles; sister Margaret Jane McFarland; half-brothers David and Bob Blackburn; eight grand-children: Martha Blackburn, Conor Daly, Baylee Blackburn, Colin Daly, Christian Daly, Mia Blackburn, Carter Boles, and Lilly Blackburn; and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.Dr. Blackburn is predeceased by his first wife, Martha Alverta Flesher of Wirt County, WV, the mother of Roger Blackburn.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Central Indiana Youth for Christ, 4707 W. 72nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Martha Blackburn says
I will never forget his overwhelming optimism and zest for life. His forgiving Christian spirit is a wonderful example for me to follow. Holidays with the family just won’t be the same. Grandpa, we miss you!
Arthur L Robb Sr says
Howard Blackburn was THE man I most wanted to emulate. Having known him since his days at UofL, as a child, I was always given the time as any of his adult friends. He was, and will forever be, a great influence on my life as a Christian, as a Father, and as a Daddy. God’s Kingdom is richer today with a new tenant. May God continue to bless you, Ruth Ann, and the remainder of the family as, though saddened by his absence, you ever more realize that Howard’s goal has now been completed. He is at home with The Father.
Wanda and I send our love.
Rick Aton says
My condolences to Ruth, family and all that have known and loved Doc. My sympathy is extended to you during this difficult time. It seems Howard lived life well. It will be sad and he’ll be missed. It’s my hope that his memories will provide you with some comfort and live on forever. May God Bless him and the friends, family and loved ones that are left behind for now.
God Bless,
Rick, Linda, Chelsea & Alexa Aton
Richard A Brickley MD says
Recalling many pleasant lunches and meetings with Dr. Blackburn, Dr. Kincaid, and others from Tipton Cy. Mem’l. Hospital.
Condolences to his Family.
Bill Joann Myers says
Will miss Doc and his wonderful smile and oh so friendly nature. Our sincerest sympathies to all of the family. He was a barbershop classic. God bless each of you.
Bill Trankina says
My wife and I are restoring an Illinois Traction Substation in Fithian, IL. Although he was busy, Dr. Blackburn listened to us and suggested a number of resources including his video. He was very kind to us. The world cannt afford to lose people like Dr. Blackburn.
Jeff and Judy King says
Our Condolences to Ruth, Beth, John, and all of Dr. Howard’s loving family. We enjoyed living next to his lovely daughter Beth for almost 10 years. I remember Howard’s enthusiasm about his grandchildren most, but his train conversation was delightful. His wit and charm were undeniable. HE will truly be missed.
Our prayers,
Jeff and Judy King
Richard Vonnegut says
I have had the pleasure of knowing Doc since the late 1960’s, when he moved the equipment of the precursor of the ITM from Greensburg to Noblesville.
In addition to enjoying his interest and knowledge of rail and transportation history, I found his
way of reminiscing easy going and comforting. I am particularly glad Doc recalled his memories of “juice” and people at the recent Doc Blackburn’s Hoosier Traction Meet.
I will cherish his living on in my and so many others’ memories as he inproved so many lives.
Richard Vonnegut says
I have had the pleasure of knowing Doc since the late 1960’s, when he moved the equipment of the precursor of the ITM from Greensburg to Noblesville.
In addition to enjoying his interest and knowledge of rail and transportation history, I found his
way of reminiscing easy going and comforting. I am particularly glad Doc recalled his memories of “juice” and people at the recent Doc Blackburn’s Hoosier Traction Meet.
I will cherish his living on in my and so many others’ memories as he inproved so many lives.
Don L Leistikow says
Having met ’Doc’ Blackburn only once, I found him to be a most interesting individual. Paul Fischer and I visited him at his home in Noblesville, where he shared his interest in railroading and proudly allowed us to see his latest work, that of a Live Steam Locomotive in one inch scale as I recall. Track for it had been laid around his yard which was also of grand proportion. Paul and I purchased a few sets of electric railway slides from him, which began my investment into slide photography. His slides are still a prominent part of the shows that I present to interested groups in southeast Wisconsin. ’Doc’ B, will be long remembered by thousands of personal friends and train buffs. My sincere condolences to family and close friends. Don L. Leistikow
Don L Leistikow says
Having met ’Doc’ Blackburn only once, I found him to be a most interesting individual. Paul Fischer and I visited him at his home in Noblesville, where he shared his interest in railroading and proudly allowed us to see his latest work, that of a Live Steam Locomotive in one inch scale as I recall. Track for it had been laid around his yard which was also of grand proportion. Paul and I purchased a few sets of electric railway slides from him, which began my investment into slide photography. His slides are still a prominent part of the shows that I present to interested groups in southeast Wisconsin. ’Doc’ B, will be long remembered by thousands of personal friends and train buffs. My sincere condolences to family and close friends. Don L. Leistikow
Carl Lantz says
My condolences to the family; I am sure he will be missed.
I met Doc Blackburn a number of times at the Illinois Traction Society meetings and at the Illiniois Railway Museum. His contributions to all of his many interests will continue to give pleasure and knowledge for years to come.
Paul Mayer says
We will all miss Doctor Blackburn at his 20 + year hosting of the Doc Blackburn Trolley Meet every September in Indianapolis. Gone will be his introductions of authors, trolley operators and other traction notables. Gone will also be his recollection of traction trips on the IT or trips to California. He was a true gentleman and we will miss him greatly.
Paul Mayer Glenview, IL
Cara Charities says
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the family of Dr. Howard R. Blackburn.
The members, staff and Board of Directors of CARA Charities
pat hupp kelly says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you..sure wish I could be there with you..I,ll always remember how good Howard was to me when I was a child..Love you all, Pat
Ken Hatton says
The members of the Bluegrass Student Union quartet family extend our sympathy to the Blackburn family, especially Ruth Ann, Beth, Roger and Martha. We are very sorry for your loss, as we thought so highly of Doc. We are thinking of you, our friends, at this difficult time.
Love,
Kenny & Barbara, Allen & Susan, Rick & Karen, Danny & Cyndy.
Lyle Deem says
I will always appreciate the influence Howard had on my life when I was a teenager. It has always been a real pleasure to visit with Howard over the years and remember the good times of years past. I will always treasure his friendship and remember him as a real guiding light in my life.
Dave and Sharon Kesselring says
Our condolences to Roger and his family. Although Dr Blackburn’s obituary lists many achievements, perhaps the most important one is followed by the words “survived by”…his children and their children!
ronaldl l stuckey says
been ainteresting 50 years illinois terminal hoosier traction meet – which will go on
Kathy BechtelStatler says
Dear Blackburn’s; So sorry to hear of your loss. But aren’t we fortunate to know that we will see him once again someday!?
DJ and Tom Carnegie says
We were so sorry to know of the death of Dr. Blackburn. Please
accept our deepest sympathies on
your loss.
DJ and Tom
Clifford R Scholes says
I am very sorry to learn of Doc’s death, though I know he was not in good health when I last met him at the Hoosier Traction Meet this year.
Although those Meets were the only times in recent years that we have seen each other, my fond memories of him date back to my early years as a railfan in Dayton, Ohio, in the late 1940’s and early ’50’s. He always found time to spend with us younger fans and we had many long, wonderful conversations during those times. I will always consider him a very good friend and a kind, gentle, man.
Susan Stewart says
Dear Ruth Ann, Roger, Jane, David and Bob:
I am saddened by Howard’s passing and wish to express my sincere sympathy to you and all of your loved ones.
It was such a joy to have lunch with you, Ruth Ann, Howard, Dr. Robert Coleman, and my Dad, Charles Stewart after the Church services at the Nazarene Church in Ind. a few years back. It seems like yesterday. Also, I appreciate the rich Christian heritage that we all share from our days at Trinity in Parkersburg, WV.
We can only rejoice that our loved ones have seen Jesus face to face, but also have sorrow for their passing. I will be praying for you in the coming days.
Sincerely,
Susan Stewart
1533 W 11th St #15
Upland, Ca 91786
David R Bales says
To the family of Doc Blackburn–
As a “youngish” railroad and traction fan (sorrifully only 20 years) I’ve known of Doc’s varied activities and many pursuits via membership in nine RR clubs. Ironically, I never went to the Hoosier Tractiob Meet until THIS month, heard Doc speak from his wheelchair and saw my friend take him out. Sadly, less than 2 weeks later he passed away—if only I would have communicated with him and met him. A sad loss for our hobby of railfanning.
Charles M Stewart Jr says
I have many fond memories of Howard at the Coopers’ Grove Camp at Pettyville, West Virginia (1938). My life was greatly influenced by Howard and his father, Dr. Harry Blackburn, pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Parkersburg, West Virginia. More recently, I was honored to have met with Howard and Ruth Ann along with Dr. Robert Coleman in Indianapolis. The Stewart family sends their deepest sympathy to the family.
Kathy Seitz says
Kenny and I wish to express our sincere condolences of the passing of Dr. Blackburn. He will be remembered by us as a very gracious man willing to open his beautiful home on the White River to some wide-eyed young HSE teachers who were just settling in the area. He was always an encourager to us when we would get a chance to chat with him at the various school events. He was a very humble man, never thinking himself above talking to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children. Their lives are beautiful reflections of his love. We feel honored to have know him.
In Sincere Sympathy,
Kenny and Kathy Seitz
Edward G Skuchas PE says
I am saddened to hear about Doc. He had a passion to preserve the memory of trolley and interurban operation through his gatherings, films, memories and models. Doc provided valuable information to me so that I could build accurately detailed representations of the trolley cars he was able to ride and photograph. Being much younger, I apreciated the knowledge that Doc was able to share with me. Thanks Doc.
Clayon Esther Carpenter says
I have strong pleasant memories of Howard. He was always so gracious and I loved his enthusiasm.
I can still see him singing barbershop with my father in dad’s barbershop./clayon
Larry Reynolds says
To the family of Dr. Howard Blackburn,
Circumstances prevent Patti and me from attending the services for Dr. Blackburn.
However, you are in our thoughts and prayers and we offer our condolences.
IÆll never forget the courtesy and hospitality your family extended to me and will miss those railroad stories of his. He was a most interesting man to listen to and IÆll miss his enthusiasm and fellowship. I still have a copy of that railroad movie he made in the 1960s and on occasion will watch the DVD. He helped preserve a bit of the heritage of this community.
I hope all of you are well, given the circumstances, and your families will feel blessed knowing Dr. Blackburn was well liked and respected.
Sincerely,
Larry and Patti Reynolds
Scott Greig says
It was always great to see “Doc” Blackburn at the Hoosier Traction Meet every September. His memories of the electric interurban era were priceless; what is even more priceless is his years of effort, through modelbuilding, historical research, and physical preservation, to keep the memory of that era alive for those of us who never got to see and ride the great Midwest interurban network as he did.
Thanks for all you did, “Doc”.
Scott Greig
Illinois Railway Museum
Larry P Ulrich says
This announcement is a real shock to me as I was talking with Doc and his wife at the Hoosier Traction Meet this year and wanted to talk with him further about disposing of my traction models, books and other items. My wife and I send our sympathies to his wife.
Larry & Mary Ulrich
woody grosdoff says
thanks doc, it makes me glad that i knew you. happy train chasing !
Jim McGee and Becky Mason McGee says
To be sure Becky and I wish to express our sincere condolences with the passing of Dr. Blackburn. We can only think of him as a wonderful and gracious man who opened his home on Allisonville Rd. to the Crescendos on more than one occassion, vocal coaching, and one of my piano recitals; not to mention just a safe haven for a relaxing Saturday afternoon by a few boys from Noblesville.
In addition, my deceased twin brother, Tim McGee, and I were very close to Bob McFarland, and spent many hours working on repair of some of the train cars at the Transportation Museum in Forest Park.
As young people influenced by his wonderful father (Dr.Harry Blackburn) and his inspiring and influential sister (Mrs. Margaret Jane McFarland); He was truly one among many in the family who was always an encourager and truly lived a life of faith that richly and deeply influenced us for the Kingdom!
We are truly sorry we didn’t know about the services in time to be present to extend our love, support and respect. However, our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Truly all of your lives are beautiful reflections of his life and love. We count ourselves among the many honored to have been touched by his life and that of the entire family! May God’s grace and strength continue to be yours….
John D Stevens MD says
It was a pleasure to meet and chat with Dr. Blackburn at the Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville. As a lifelong train enthusiast myself, we both shared a deep interest and love of keeping trains of yesterday alive for future generations. I have a train video where he is mentioned.
Roberta Huff says
I was so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. What a full and wonderful life he had! My best to the family.
Mike Kensill says
as a fellow train enthusiast, I enjoyed using the layout at the ITM he was responsible for…his full and generous life was enviable to us all.
Chris Hersberger Lynch says
I just learned of Dr. Blackburn passing and wanted to say my prayers are with you. I will never forget spending the nights at their house with their daughter Beth, they made you feel like one of the family. His passion & love of his family showed. He loved showing us his big train that was set up around the grounds of their house. Even though I haven’t seen them in years I know if I did they would just engulf me with hugs. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He will be missed greatly by all that knew him. I’m truly sorry that I didn’t know because I would have been there to pay tribute. Love you all,
Chris Hersberger Lynch
Jim Herron says
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Blackburn’s passing. I first met him in 1957 at the Kentucky Railway museum and was with him on some of his train chasing adventures in the late 1950’s and ’60’s. He was one of the most generous men I ever met and had a positive attitude that encouraged me in my own interests and endeavors. When I began producing railroad videos in the 1980’s, it was Dr. Blackburn who provided not just his own film but also contacts with others who also had film, much of it of extremely rare subjects. Doc Blackburn was a true friend whom I will miss him greatly and I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Ruth Ann and the rest of the Blackburn family.
-Jim Herron
Paddy Valerie Hickey says
Dear Ruth-Ann, Beth and all the Blackburn family. We were so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Paddy, Valerie, Daniel, Jamie, Jennie & Jordan