Art Blackburn
May 20, 1948 ~ April 17, 2025
It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of a truly remarkable man. Arthur Blackburn Jr. was born May 20, 1948, and passed away April 17, 2025 at the age of seventy-six. He was a loving husband, a dedicated father, and grandfather, as well as a loyal friend to many.
Art was a selfless man with a heart as big as Texas. Always putting others before himself, he lived his life with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right. If he gave you his word, you could count on it—it was as solid and true as the man himself.
A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, class of 1970, where he was a member of The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the Corps of Cadets, Art remained a devoted Aggie through and through. He served as president of The San Antonio A&M Club and avid recruiter for the Corps. Whether cheering on the team or participating in alumni events and organizations, his spirit never left College Station. He wore maroon not just in color, but in character—loyal, passionate, and deeply committed.
Art was a man of character in every sense of the word—genuine, honest as the day is long, and quick with a story, a laugh, or a helping hand. A true original, he had a way of lighting up a room and making everyone feel welcome and valued. God couldn’t build a better friend.
Above all else, he loved his family. His devotion to his wife and children was unmatched, and his legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on in the lives he touched. He is survived by wife Mary, son Trey and spouse Juls, daughter Carol and spouse Julie, granddaughter Maya and brother Lynn and spouse Linda.
He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished.
Services
Celebration of Life: May 25, 2025 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Aggie Park
6205 West Ave
San Antonio, TX United States
78213
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2025-05-25 12:00:00
2025-05-25 03:00:00
ArtBlackburnCelebration of Life
Celebration of Life
6205 West Ave,San Antonio, TX United States
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Art was everything his obituary states. We were classmates and marched in the Band together. We both carried Sousaphones – probably more “carrying” than “playing”! Once we were beyond our senior year, married, but still in College Station we lived close by at the North Gate. Art and Mary and Suzie (my wife) and I shared so many good times together. Friends and brothers for the ensuing 54 years. We will sadly but proudly answer “Here” on Monday as our class Musters together here at our home. Art and Mary are loved as friends and Aggies. Gig ’em Art. We, too, one day will March in Behind the Band.
Dan ’70 and Suzie ’71 Gower.
To this day I remember Art as one of the happiest, most fun-loving of my classmates in the Aggie band. He, and Mary too, were people you’d always want to be around. Our paths veered off in different directions but my good memories of Art and Mary have never faded. My condolences and best wishes to you Mary and to all your family.
Friends come and go in this life. But, some friends remain friends forever, even in eternity. Art is one of those friends. Those kind of friends are so special. Art is special. His obit speaks for itself. It is totally encompassing of his character and his contributions in his Earthly lifetime. Legacies are built throughout one’s lifetimes. His is one of selfless service to our alma mater, Texas A&M University. As a former Cadet Training Officer at TAMU, I got to know him very well. Time and time again he made trips to Aggieland with promising young people from the San Antonio area. Many of them decided to come to A&M and quite a few joined the Corps of Cadets including the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. Never did he expect recognition for his dedication to that recruiting mission, but he deserved it just the same. As a tribute to Art, I want to thank him for his loyal service to Aggies everywhere, and to Mary who supported him in that endeavor. Art has now joined the Eternal Aggie Band. Pat and I will miss him greatly, but we’ll see him again after we pass into our eternal reward in Heaven. Here!
Art and I grew up together in Eagle Pass. It was a great place for the young and their development to adults. Art convinced me to attend Texas A&M. Our parents were friends and we lived a few blocks apart. He was a fine person and married a wonderful, funny wife! He will be missed. Richard&Donna Sweaney