Margaret Helen Blackman (née Travland), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at the age of 88 years old.
Born on April 14, 1936, to Oscar Travland and Melba Harvey Travland, she was the oldest of five children. Margaret grew up in Beeville, Texas, where her father taught her how to fly an airplane, and she subsequently soloed on her 16th birthday. She attended Sul Ross State University, where she met John Nixon Blackman III. They married on December 22, 1956, and enjoyed a 66-year marriage, sharing many adventures traveling the world and almost 40 years of teaching in Odessa, Valentine, Alpine and the north slope of Alaska.
Margaret and John retired to their Fort Davis home in 1994, hosting many family gatherings, including their annual family reunion every July 4th holiday. Margaret loved her backyard and spent many hours creating a beautiful green space behind her home. She also loved to sew and craft creative items to gift them to others. She frequently shared fond memories of her time with students, both in class and at the piano.
She leaves behind many friends, including those who were part of the local Pokeno group and some who enjoyed making personalized cards. She was a longtime member of the Fort Davis United Methodist Church. Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Melba Harvey Travland and Oscar Travland; her husband, John Nixon Blackman III; her son John Nixon Blackman IV; brother Lawrence Travland (Mary); and brother Oscar Nance Travland (Patty). She is survived by her brother Lewis Travland (Charlotte); sister, Patricia Hodgens; sons Mark Blackman and Matthew Blackman (Melanie); eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; and more students than we can count. A memorial service will be held in Fort Davis in early July to allow her family and friends to attend.
