David J. Blackmer was born on July 22, 1938 in Cranston, Rhode Island to Reginald and Eileen (Simmons) Blackmer. He passed away on August 4, 2021 in St. Petersburg, Florida at the age of 83 with his family by his side.
Family
David is survived by his loving wife, Eileen (Knoop) Blackmer, to whome he was married for over 32 years. Additionally he is survived by sons John (Anna) Blackmer, David J. Blackmer; daughter Linda (Bart) Caldwell; brother Chris Blackmer; grandchildren Aaron (Kim) Caldwell, Austin Caldwell and great-grandson Calvin Caldwell, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
Military
David enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1958 and served his country for 32 years finally retiring in 1988. His career took him from basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas through Vietnam and his final duty assignment at Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill AFB serving in Command and Control Superintendent from 1984-1988. Dave’s promotion to Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) put him into the top 1% of all Airman, a very difficult and hard earned promotion.
Awards and Decorations
At the time of his retirement Chief Blackmer was eligible to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Force Commendation Medals w/ “V”, two Presidential Unit Citations, three Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards w/ Bronze “V”, three Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards, two Combat Readiness Medals, nine Air Force Good Conduct Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, five Vietnam Service Medals, three Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbons, five Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbons, nine Air Force Longevity Service Awards, three Air Force NCO Professional Military Education Graduate awards, two Small Arm Expert Marksman Ribbons, two Air Force training ribbons, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry with Cross Medal with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal on his uniform.
Services
A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 12:00 pm at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. All those planning on attending are asked to wear masks in the common areas of the club and can enjoy complimentary parking. A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, August 20, 2021 at 12:30 pm at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Military honors will be presented by the United States Air Force and Father Bob Swick, USMC (Ret.) will be serving as chaplain. All guests planning on attending should plan to arrive by 12:00 pm.
Special Acknowledgements
In lieu of flowers the Blackmer family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Order of the Purple Heart.
Friends, family, and those who served with David are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
I had the pleasure of knowing David for over 30 years, we were fishing partners and spent many weekends on dozens of lakes throughout Florida. It was always an enjoyable time learning about the different adventures he had been through in his life. Comparing the different years we were in Viet Nam, he was there 5 years before I was there. He was so knowledgeable about many things including how to tell when a cloud had rain in it, about the stars and nature. He helped me get my disability through the VA because of my exposure to agent orange and contracting diabetes. He will definitely be missed by me and my wife Myrna. I will be thinking about him every time I am on a lake fishing. May he rest in peace.
I had the pleasure of working and knowing Dave when I started working for the VA Regional Office ST. Petersburg, Florida in 1996. It was an honor and privilege working with such a friendly, kind, and dedicated person. He was always there to help those in need. I will miss you my comrade in arms and will cherish knowing and being your friend. My condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with Dave’s family.
I am so sorry to learn about David’s passing. I met David and Eileen through my husband, Joe, who worked at the VA. We share many good times going to dinner or celebrating New Year’s Eve at their home. He was truly one of a kind. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He will be sorely missed by those who love him and knew him. My heart goes out to Eileen and his family. RIP David.
David came to the VA in the last trimester of my career, so my time working with him was not as long as others, however he had a smile about him when he greeted people, and earnestly listened to those he helped achieve recognition for the disabilities/injuries they incurred during military service. Obviously from what has been posted in his obituary he had a stunning career in the Air Force. For those of us who have served our country the military experience was a platform for continued success in all of life’s endeavors. My prayers for the family. Cling tight to precious memories of the past.
I had the privilege of knowing David through his Wife and my Cousin, Eileen.
David almost always had a smile on his face, he was friendly, considerate, kind and a good husband, father and overall good friend. And ohhhh the stories he told!!
Thank you, David (again) for your service to our country and thank you for the laughter and joy you brought to our world…God Bless, XO
Dave was a friend and coworker at the VA for many years. A funny memory of Dave at work, he could make it look like he was working while taking a quick catnap with his hands on the key board while sipping on his V8 juice.My condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Sorry to here about David’s passing. He came to the VA when I was in the last trimester of my career. Very smart man who has a warm smile when he greeted you. His career and rank attest to the caliber of the outstanding service he gave to our country. From remarks others have made he integrated well with co-workers. I know he will be sorely missed by family and friends. My prayers for strength during this difficult time. May God bless.
I first met Dave in Oct of 1980. We shared many adventures in the woods, on the water, and at work. I will always cherish the fond memories he left me with. Happy Hunting – Dave. Catching the bigun’ everyday.
I am David’s Aunt Mary, widow of his Uncle, William W. (Billy) Simmons. For a time, David and Billy shared bunk beds (Billy in the lower, and David in the upper) in an upstairs bedroom of Grandma Simmons’ home at 2 Rock Street, Westerly RI. David told me that Billy took cruel pleasure in waking him in the morning by kicking David in the back.
David was a distinguished United States Air Force Officer and also, a gourmet chef. Here are his comments about roasting a turkey:
“Aunt Mary,
Since I’ve been married (all of them) all the way back to 1962, I’ve always cooked the turkey and made the stuffing.
I make the stuffing the night before, let it cool and then place it in the fridg. Thanksgiving morning I stuff the bird
full at both ends but not packed in – sort of loosely. Then cook the bird the temp and time it says for the poundage
of the bird. When it is 3/4ths done I place a piece of tinfoil over the bird for the remainder of the cooking time. I
then take the bird out and cover all of it with foil until we’re ready to eat. The only time I didn’t cook turkey was on
my honeymoon with Eileen. We spent Thanksgiving with my mother in RI. She and Grandma introduced me to
stuffing made their way and I’ve always followed how they made it.
1 bag cubed stuffing.
2 bags of granular stuffing.
1/2 cup of diced onion.
1/2 cup of diced celery.
1/2 cup of diced carrot.
1/2 cup of diced apple.
4 cups of chicken broth.
3 cups of water.
1 and 1/2 stichks of butter.
Melt butter and put in onion,celery, and carrots in (salt and pepper to taste).
Simmer until cooked.
Empty the broth and water in and bring to a slight boil.
Just before you’re ready to pour the mixture over the bread stuffing in a large pot, put the apple in the mixture.
Then stir as you pour the mixture over the stuffing. (It takes me about 4 or 5 pours before I get all of the
stuffing soaked).
Then let it cool (I find it hard keeping everyone out of it while it’s cooling).
The apple gives it a little different flavor.
Love,
Dave”
Dave, I am sure that Uncle Billy has welcomed you to your mutual heavenly home. He waits for you in the lower bunk bed, but promises no more rude awakenings.
Amusing memories aside, Dave, your family will sorely miss your vibrant presence in their lives. We wish you peaceful days in your heavenly home, and send our deepest condolences to Eileen and your children, your grandchildren, and all who loved you.
Anne, Holly, Becky, their families and I love you Dave.
Rest in peace.
Aunt Mary
My condolences to Eileen and the family. I met Dave at a fishing tournament with my dad. He was a knowledgeable and good guy. He will be greatly missed at our fishing trips. May you rest in peace Dave.