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 sports 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 to many different locations: Fort Collins Coloradoan, North Platte Telegraph, Kansas City Star, and the Quad City Times (Bettendorf, IA). He then decided to put some roots down in Lincoln, NE working at Lincoln Journal Star. After the kids were raised, he then moved to Beatrice, NE where he was the publisher of the Beatrice Daily Sun. Followed by The Columbus Telegram (Columbus, NE) and Muscatine Journal (Muscatine, IA).
After a successful career of 40 years, Bob retired in September 2010 to spend his days in Lincoln, NE and Surprise, AZ. He spent his time golfing, reading, camping, and making memories with his friends and family.
Bob had many accomplishments in his career, he served as President of the Nebraska Daily Publishers Association and the Nebraska Press and Nebraska Press Advertising Service. Bob also was a vital part of the development of the National Homestead Monument in Beatrice, NE.
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 blood donor throughout his life and a very faithful Husker fan!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Leoma Blackman; his sister, Virginia Liess, and nephews, Greg, and Kevin Blackman.
Robert is survived by his Wife Belinda (Graham); Daughter Carmen (Harrison) Hyde; Son Dustin Blackman; Sister Carol (Gene) Leiss; Brothers Larry (Danny), Gene (Lillian) and Terry (Beth) Blackman, as well as his grandchildren, Zach, Mackenzie, Hunter, Alexa, and Cameron. Cremation was chosen. Interment of the ashes will be 11:00 A.M. January 8, 2021, at Fairview Cemetery. A Celebration of life will follow the burial at the VFW in Waverly. Wyuka Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.wyuka.com.
Love you daddy. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Forever our Superman!
Happy we got to go camping last September. Going to miss that and cards and all the fun we had Many great memories. Our hearts go out to those who are suffering the loss of husband. Father. Grandfather. Friend. Take care
Sorry to hear, he was great to work with during my days at the Lincoln Journal Star.
♥️ Great man. Always kind and generous. A huge loss.
Carmen, my sympathy to you and your family. Holding you close in prayer at this most difficult time.
My condolences and prayers to Belinda and the family!
Bob, was one of the Good Guys you get to meet in life if you are lucky!
Belinda ,
So saddened to hear about Bob’s passing. He was such a good guy! We are holding you in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlene “Yingling”Forch sorry for your loss and the girls
I knew Bob when he was selling ads at the McCook Gazette but lost touch with him over the years. I did not know of his accomplishments in newspapering but was not surprised. He was a smart guy, funny and gracious.
Sorry for your loss. We were neighbors in Raymond. Bill and Judy Nissen
So, so sorry to learn to of Bob’s death. We were coworkers in Colorado and then he was my publisher in Columbus when I returned to Nebraska in 2005. Always a dedicated, hard-working, square-shooter, he accomplished much and will be missed by many. He also knew how to enjoy life, an ability that a lot of newspaper people never master. Missing you, Bob. May Belinda and his family find joy and peace in their memories.
Sorry to hear about Bob. He was one of my favorite bosses at the JSP. He knew his stuff and had a great laugh.
So sorry to see this. Condolences to Belinda and family. Got to know Bob when they moved to Columbus. Worked with Belinda.
I had the honor of working with Bob when he was publisher in Columbus and I was general manager in Schuyler. He was one of the best I ever worked with. You have my sincere condolences.
Belinda and family, I am so sorry to hear the passing of Bob. Our sympathy to all of you. Cherish the memories. Prayers for all of you .
Belinda & family, so saddened to hear the passing of Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God grant you peace and love at this sad time. Cherish the memories.
I’m so sad to learn of Bob’s passing. He was an amazing man, co-worker and friend. My condolences to his family.
My condolences and prayers to Belinda and the family! I had the pleasure of knowing, Bob and Belinda since we were in high school…the memories of playing cards together with them when we were all first married and sharing the births of our children. Many hugs and sending prayers to you and your family to remember the special memories we all cherish and share in our lifetime.
Belinda and family….
Bob leaves a wonderful touch mark…for his family and his craft. Everything Bob touched–improved. He was dedicated to his family, his craft and the communities he served. It was an honor for me to have known him and worked with him. His life can long be a guide for all of us to keep on doing well, adding value and being constructive. That is the best legacy we can leave in memory of your loved one and my friend. Linda joins with me in sending along our sympathy to all of you in the family. We shall cherish the memories.
I met Bob thru work about 20 years ago. Realized we were both golf nuts and began playing when we could. Kind of lost touch when the family moved but was shocked to read the Bob had passed away.
What a great guy at every level.Business, personal or on the golf course. My condolences to the family. We lost a good one on December 18 !!
Belinda, Carmen and all your families. I am sure your hearts are broken. My heart goes out to all of you. Losing a special loved on is so hard.
“Gone from our sight, but never our memories,
Gone from our touch, but never our hearts,
Thinking of you and hoping your memories of special times with bring you comfort.
Family and friends are always here to lean on.
God Bless,
Bev Ratkovec & family