July 28, 1939 ~ October 31, 2024
Robert “Bob” Allen Blackmer, 85, of Hart passed away Oct. 31, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was the son of Robert and Donna Blackmer, born July 28, 1939. He was the older brother of Sharon and Marcia.
Bob attended school in Shelby until his parents purchased Blackmer Supermarket in Elbridge Township. He graduated from Hart High School in 1957. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Kapsh, on Aug. 29, 1959.
In 1963, Bob and Jeanne bought their first home on a 40-acre farm in Elbridge Township, where they lived until 2000. Bob was known for his strong work ethic and had many jobs over the years, including farming, surveying, school bus driving, meat cutting, ironworking, and building contracting at first with Farm Bureau and then as owner of Buildings Plus. After his first retirement, Bob served as a bus driver and head cook for the Oceana County Council on Aging.
After his second retirement, Bob continued to work every day, doing what he loved: helping his son develop his businesses, grounds maintenance and caring for many food plots. He loved being outdoors, working, hunting and being close to nature.
Bob volunteered for various organizations over the years, including the Oceana Country Club Board, 4-H Board, Oceana County Council on Aging, Walkerville Fire Department, Oceana Eagles, Rotary Club of Hart and Dogwood Community Development.
Bob loved his golf league and golf buddies at Oceana Golf Club, continuing to golf through this last season. He had many hobbies and interests but felt the most joy when sharing them with family and friends. He took great pride in celebrating their achievements and milestones. Bob and Jeanne created many memories while traveling and shared a love of animals. The smile and twinkle in his eye were never brighter than when he was with his grandchildren.
Bob is survived by: his wife, Jeanne Blackmer; his sister, Marcia Walsworth; and his brother-in-law, Harold Kempker. He is also survived by: his children, Carmen (Dennis) Heaney, Michael (Laura) Blackmer and Susan (Jeffrey) Foster. He was a proud grandfather to Seamus (Becky) Heaney, Meghan (Jake) Werda, Rory Heaney, Natasha (Jacob) Bergmans, Jacob (Rebecca) Blackmer, Michaela (Eric) Dennert, Jessica Blackmer, Mariah Foster and Keagan Foster, and an especially proud great-grandfather to Hayes Werda, Ace, Rex and Sir Bergmans, Coral Blackmer, and Lucy and Maeve Dennert.
Bob was preceded in death by: his parents; infant son, Joseph Robert; sister, Sharon Kempker; and brother-in-law, Richard Walsworth.
Bob will be dearly missed but fondly remembered most for his smile, generosity and kindness.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Oceana County Council on Aging, 4250 W. Tyler Rd., Hart, MI 49420, followed by a Celebration of Life and Open House from noon to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oceana County Council on Aging in Bob’s name.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com
