Robert “Bob” Blackman
December 2, 1947 ~ December 18, 2021
Robert “Bob” Blackman, 74, of Lincoln passed away on December 18th, 2021, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Bob was born to Victor and Leoma (Tomlin) Blackman in McCook, Nebraska on December 2nd, 1947. He grew up in Indianola, Nebraska and graduated from Indianola High School in 1966 where he was active in football, basketball, track, and band. He continued his education and basketball career at McCook Junior College, where he graduated with his associate degree in 1968.
Bob married the love of his life, Belinda (Graham) on August 29th, 1968, at McCook United Methodist Church. The newlyweds then moved to Denver, Colorado where Bob attended the National Electronic Institute and earned his degree in 1970.
Bob and Belinda returned to McCook where Bob began his newspaper career at the McCook Daily Gazette. Shortly after their move back to Nebraska, they began their family with the birth of their daughter, Carmen Renee (Hyde) on August 21st, 1971, and their son, Dustin Robert, on July 5th, 1975.
Bob’s career in the newspaper industry led him next to Fort Collins, Colorado where he worked for the Coloradian. He then returned to Nebraska to work at the North Platte Telegraph before heading to Kansas City to work for the KC Kansan. He then worked for the Quad City Times in Bettendorf, Iowa before he put his roots down in Lincoln, Nebraska. While in Lincoln, he worked for the Lincoln Journal Star until his family was raised. He then moved to Beatrice where he was the publisher of the Beatrice Daily Sun before continuing his journalism journey to Columbus, Nebraska at the Columbus Telegram. Bob then accepted a job at the Muscatine Journal located in Muscatine, Iowa.
After a successful career of 38 years, Bob retired in September 2010 to spend his days in Lincoln, Nebraska and Surprise, Arizona. He spent his time golfing, reading, camping, and making memories with his family.
Bob’s accomplishments in his career included serving as President of the Nebraska Daily Publishers Association from 2005 to 2006 as well as being a board member and past president of Nebraska Press and Nebraska Press Advertising Service from 2002-2008. Bob also was a vital part of the development of the National Homestead Monument in Beatrice, Nebraska.
When Bob wasn’t at work or spending time with his family, he was heavily involved in the communities he resided in by devoting his time or serving as a board member to multiple organizations including Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, YMCA, United Way, Teammates, the Humane Society, and the Food Bank. Bob was also an avid Red Cross blood donor throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Leoma Blackman; his sister, Virginia Liess, and nephews, Greg and Kevin Blackman.
Robert Blackman is survived by his wife, Belinda (Graham); daughter Carmen (Harrison) Hyde; son Dustin Blackman as well as his grandchildren, Zach, Mackenzie, Hunter, Alexa, and Cameron.
Cremation was chosen. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date and time.
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