Jeffrey Lee Blackman

Jeffrey Lee Blackman, aged 62, of Orange Beach, Alabama, died on July 8, 2023, in Tucson, Arizona from complications due to cancer. He was together with his two sons, Gregg and Cody, leading up to and at the time of his passing. Jeff is remembered for his love of his family and friends and was surrounded by their warmth and care in person and from afar.

An avid outdoorsman, Jeff loved the land and sea —whether he was paddling a kayak, golfing, in the woods on a hunting trip, or fishing on a beautiful day—Jeff found solace in nature. He also enjoyed tinkering and fixing things and taught his sons to do the same. He always had a project and found peace and contentedness in his hobbies. His tool collection was vast, and his ideas had no bounds—from building a tiered wooden deck with water features to developing fire-safety implements while working in the field. He was a dedicated Notre Dame Football fan and will always be watching out for the Fighting Irish.  

Jeff was a combat veteran and served in the Army out of Fort McClellan and in the Gulf War in 1991. Jeff had a deep love for his country and for freedom. Whether he was laying his life on the line or enjoying a beverage at the beach on Veterans Day, his pride was always reverent and heartfelt. Jeff comes from a long line of Blackmans, the first arriving in America from England in 1627, and he and his ancestors helped to build and protect the land we call home. Jeff was a hard worker and took pride in his career and positions throughout his life. Jeff was a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ.

While Jeff carried himself with dignity and pride, he was also incredibly fun-loving and a devoted father and grandfather. His laugh (which was a mix of a chuckle and a joyful wheeze) was infectious, his smile made you smile too, and his goofiness made everyone in the room have fun. Whether he was rough housing with his boys, playing pranks on them, or tossing them in the water—he showed them how much he loved them, and how fun it was to be their dad. He also played fiercely with his grandkids and took his role as Papa very seriously. They delighted in his funny voices, the way he “ate” food from the play kitchen, when he chased them around as a “monster”, and his enthusiastic participation in dress-up.

Jeff is survived by his former wife and partner of 40 years, Teresa Haley Blackman, and their two sons, Gregg Dylan Blackman and Daniel Cody Blackman. He was an adoring Papa to grandchildren Elizabeth Blackman, Isabel Blackman, and John Blackman and a beloved father-in-law to Lauren Blackman and Kaitlyn Blackman. 

Jeff was born in Logansport, Indiana on December 21, 1960—Elvis topped the charts, Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson was released, and everyone was doing The Twist. He is predeceased by his parents Donald Blackman and Charlene Blackman (Sheets) and predeceased by his two brothers Jon Blackman and Michael Blackman. Jeff will be laid to rest among his family in Peru, Indiana. Jeff was a longtime resident and community member of Oxford, AL, Gainesville, FL, and Orange Beach, AL.

Jeff’s legacy will live on through his family, friends, and through his acts of service. The lives that he touched and nurtured will thrive having known his love, his joy, his dedication, and his determined spirit. He “Played Like a Champion”, and we loved him for it.

In remembrance of Jeff, the family requests that charitable donations in his honor be made to The Fisher House Foundation and Habitat for Humanity.

Services will be held on Saturday July 15, 2023, in Peru, Indiana.

Visitation and Service: 1-2:30 PM – Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home; 105 W 3rd St, Peru, IN 46970

Gravesite Memorial: Immediately Following Service – Mount Hope Cemetery; 411 N Grant St, Peru, IN 46970

Celebration of Life: 5-7 PM – 7 Pillars Brewing; 20 E 5th St Peru, IN 46970

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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