David D. Blackburn, age 82, a lifelong Atoka County, OK resident. He taught school and coached in Sasakwa, OK and later taught at Atoka High School. His OHP duties took him to Clinton, Weatherford, Durant and finally back to Atoka.  He was born on Sunday, April 16, 1939 to Coleman Hugh and Lovenia Della Mae (Granger) Blackburn, at Atoka, OK. David passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at Shawnee, OK. He attended Harmony Elementary and graduated from Atoka High School in 1956. After high school David attended and graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a teaching degree in Industrial Arts.
David began a career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1964, retiring after 20 years, then worked over 10 years for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation as a Risk Manager. He had his Real Estate license and owned David Blackburn Auction Service and sold many auctions for several years. He also worked several years for First Bank and Amerstate Bank as an Inspector and Appraiser. In his earlier years David enjoyed having his pilot license. While in the OHP David was involved in the 1978 manhunt of Dennis & Lancaster, which resulted in death of 3 troopers. This is known as the "Darkest Day in OHP History."  David loved going to The Atoka Truck Stop and visiting with his many friends.  He was an avid horseman and loved to pull wagons with his team of Belgians "Tom and Dink" in various parades and events. He was a charter member of OHP Honor Guard, member of OHP Dive Team. He served as Southeast Region Director of Retired State Trooper Association. David also served 20 years as a Volunteer Firefighter with Atoka Fire Department, sat on the board of Southeastern Electric Coop and Tushka Water Department District #2.
David was also a member and officer of the Oklahoma Draft Horse Association. David was a Christian and a believer. He loved his horses and loved being the teammaster for Brown's Funeral Service doing funerals and parades all over Southeastern Oklahoma. David loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was devoted and involved in many ways relating to his community "His Home". He loved Atoka and its people.  David proudly served his country in the Oklahoma National Guard. He married Betty Ruth (Strang) on Sunday, June 11th, 1961, at Atoka, OK. They celebrated 57 wonderful years together before Betty passed on August 27, 2018.
David is survived by his son, Kevin Blackburn and wife Connie of Carl Junction, MO; daughter, Kayla Golden and husband Wade of Ada, OK; grandchildren, Jessica Fillmore and husband Aaron of Lacey, WA, Brent Blackburn and wife Jessica of Claremore, OK, Destiny Wyche and husband Cole of Ada, OK, Christyn Golden of Ada, OK; great grandchildren, Emmalynn Fillmore, Ellie Fillmore, Elisha Blackburn,Jude Blackburn; uncle, Arthur Granger and wife Louise of Atoka, OK; along with numerous cousins, other relatives and many dear and loved friends.
David preceded in death by his parents, Coleman Hugh and Lovenia Della Mae (Granger) Blackburn, and wife, Betty Blackburn.

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DATE OF SERVICES: 02:00 PM Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021

PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma

OFFICIATING: Bro. Sam Garner- OHP Chaplain & Rev. Richard Magby

INTERMENT: Green Meadows Cemetery, Atoka, Oklahoma

CASKETBEARERS: Kevin Blackburn, Brent Blackburn, Wade Golden, Cole Wyche, Vindle Ray, Jon Ray, Aaron Fillmore

HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Colton Courtney, Joe Crowley, Eddie Brown, J.R Jones, Wayne Skrdla, Sam Garner, Ronnie Harper, Gary McDonald, Ron Thomas, Bart Granger, Buddy Granger, Roy Blackburn, Paul Roan, James Capps, Hack Cook, and Richard Lillard, along with all his buddies at Table 12 and Retired & Active OHP Troopers.

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VISITATION TUESDAY 8 TO 8PM AND BEFORE THE SERVICE

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE