Brian L. Blackman

Brian L. Blackman, 48, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

Born on October 2, 1972, in Norwich, Brian was the son of Leonard and Doris (Stevens) Blackman. He was a member of the Sherburne- Earlville Schools. Brian was a man born to work the land, and worked as a farmer all his life. He worked for many years at both the Davis Farm, in Smyrna, NY, and most recently the South Town Dairy, in South New Berlin. In his spare time, Brian also worked nature by producing delicious maple syrup and cider at this family’s home in Smyrna. Hunting with his wife and family was a favorite pastime. He also loved competing in tractor-pulling events with Big Red. At family picnics he would compete in their meat-smoking contests, where he would win just about every year. Brian also enjoyed watching Westerns, and was a die-hard NASCAR fan. Above all else, Brian was a devoted family man.

On September 21, 2002, in South New Berlin, Brian married the love of his life, Kimberly (Dodge) Blackman, who survives. He is also survived by his children, Ashlie (Joshua) Edmunds, of Frankfort, NY, and Jason Jipson (Jessica Christman), and daughter-in-law, Katie Bates, of Webster, NY; grandchildren Caleb, Blake, Brody, and Jameson; sisters, Penny (Wayne) Eggleston and Sherry (James) Brooks, all of Smyrna; brothers, Mark and Scott Blackman, of Smyrna and Brookfield; brother-in-law, Scott Dodge (Pam Green), of Smyrna; numerous nieces and nephews; and his bloodhound puppy, Maverick. In addition to his parents, Brian was predeceased by his grandparents, William and Ceta Blackman, Margaret and William Stevens, and his brother-in-law, Joe Dodge.

A private funeral service for Brian will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, March 19, 2021, where the Rev. Rachel Barnhart will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Thursday, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Callers are asked to enter through the side doors of the funeral home. To ensure the safety of all in attendance, please observe appropriate social distancing and sanitary practices, including facial coverings. Burial will take place in the spring at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Contributions in Brian’s memory made to the Future Farmers of America Foundation, P.O. Box 68960, Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960.