Robert Blackmun

Robert Lynwood Blackmun, 88, peacefully passed away on November 16, 2023 with family by his side.  He resided in San Juan Capistrano, CA at the time of his passing.

Bob was born on February 5, 1935 in Los Angeles, California to parents, Dr Robert L Blackmun and Frances E Blackmun.  He was very proud of his father’s military service where Dr Blackmun earned The Soldier’s Medal in WWII after saving lives of fellow soldiers from a burning aircraft in Italy. These were formative years for young Bob. He went on to be a star athlete at Marshall High School earning all-city honors in both baseball and football.  Later he attended UCLA.

He married his Junior High School sweetheart, Shirlee Lorene Bailor on June 26, 1953.  They met at Allan Rudack Ballroom Dance Studio where Bob cleverly filled up her entire dance card for the evening ensuring he would meet the beautiful Shirlee, twin sister to Beverlee (deceased).  He was smitten from that day on. Together they had 3 children, Steven, Leslie, and Lisa.  Bob proved to be a devoted family man and loved them dearly.

He became a devoted grandfather to Kristi, Jessica, Kelly, Matthew, and Cara.  He loved taking them to Laguna Beach where every year he would rent a beachside cottage for his entire family.  Later, as he welcomed the role of great grandfather to James, Annalee, Wyatt, and Alyssa, he continued to teach and encourage each of them to body surf while patiently waiting for the “third set of waves”.  He took advantage of long walks on the beach with each of them for special time to really know them and for them to know him.  He loved his family deeply.

Bob is survived by the love of his life, wife Shirlee, his daughters Leslie Schultz (Bob) and Lisa Briggs; his sisters Phyllis Parker and Gail Warner. He was proceeded in death by his beloved son Steven (Patty) and brother Eugene (Marilyn).  His grandchildren include Kristi Easterly (Danny), Jessica Lewis (Matt), Kelly Blackmun, Matthew Briggs, and Cara Briggs.  Bob’s great grandchildren include James Lewis, Annalee Lewis, Wyatt Easterly, and Alyssa Easterly.

His life will be celebrated on December 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Wee Kirk o' the Heather Chapel located in Forest Lawn - Glendale; 1712 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205.