Craig Alan Blackburn

Craig Alan Blackburn passed from this life on May 5th, 2023, at the age of 72. He was born July 28, 1950 in Tyler, Texas to Ken and Rose Blackburn.  

Craig attended Sapulpa Schools and was a 1968 graduate of SHS.  He earned his Bachelor of Science and Engineering Technology degree in 1976 from Oklahoma State University after enlisting in the Navy.  He was stationed at Miramar Naval Air Station where he trained pilots on jet instrumentation. 

In 1971 he met and married Polly Strange and started building their family with two daughters. 

He spent his career working for many engineering companies in the Tulsa area and across the globe.  He worked in England, Germany, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan to name a few.  Several years ago, he started his own business, Spitfire Combustion.  He tested and repaired gas fired burners in mostly carbon black plants in Texas, Louisiana, California, and Oklahoma. 

On July 23, 2017, he married fellow ’68 graduate, June Dickens.  He probably didn’t realize how many projects would be on his plate.  He enjoyed motorcycle trips with friends but enjoyed helping others more.  He broke, repaired and broke again many pieces of farm equipment, replaced engines, electrical projects, honey-do’s and jumped from one project to another earning the nickname “Grasshopper”.  Craig loved cars, Mustangs to be exact.  He never stopped looking for the perfect rolling chassis.  He became the mechanic, the fixer, husband, father and grandfather he was meant to be. 

Craig was proceeded in death by his parents, many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He is survived by his wife, June.  Children, April Blackburn, Kristina Blackburn, Pam Dickens-Shearer and Scott Johnson, Gene Dickens and wife Heidi; grandchildren, Matthew Shearer, Tyler Shearer, Hana Dickens, Bella Dickens, Sarah Shearer, Cael Dickens and Kassidy Shearer.  Brother, Kenny Blackburn and niece Kimberly Martin.  Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.  Special friends, Ed and Shelly Gaston, Jerry and Sandra Whitt, Pat Lusk and Mike Graham.  A whole host of friends and business contacts including the “Mens Breakfast Club”. 

Craig has donated his body to the OSU Medical program. 

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