Reverend Fred Blackman, Sr.

On the late evening of Monday, November 28, 2022, an angel of silence came and summoned the bright spirit of Our Daddy, Our Grand-Pa, Our Pastor, and our Friend, Fred Douglas Blackman, Sr.  His lips were sealed, and his soul has gone to a place of Eternal Rest.

Pastor Blackman was born on Monday, February 19, 1946, to Freddie Mae Blackman, who later in life married Eugene Roberts and raised her little man as his own. They grew and bonded together and became a strong family, maintaining a good Christian foundation.

As a young man, Fred Blackman attended Old Anderson High School and after graduation he joined the United States Air Force on June 11, 1964, serving a tour.    He worked as a Military Police officer and studied the skills and was trained to be a mechanic. Fred received an Honorable Discharge on April 26, 1968. His tour included the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, Fred expanded his studies at Austin Community College obtaining a Masters in HVAC, which marked him as the first Black Austinite to receive such an honor.  The doors opened for Fred at Motorola, and he worked there, climbing to new heights, and breaking down many walls, more than he ever could imagen. After many faithful years, including leadership positions, Mr. Blackman retired.

Fred Blackman marked as his greatest achievement: the day he accepted the call to be a Minister. In 1983, after several years of serving as a Deacon at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, he accepted his calling to the ministry and was devoted for life. He served as Pastor for several churches before God planted his feet within Lone Star Missionary Baptist Church in Bastrop, Texas. He served the church, winning souls to Christ and spreading the message of the good news until his death.  Even the last words he spoke were words of encouragement asking us to continue to spread the good news of salvation in his absence. At the time of his death, Pastor Blackman has served the church for sixteen years.

Reverend Blackman was united in Holy Matrimony to Helen Hunter in 2003. He adored his wife and supported her music ministry.  Serving as the First Lady of Lone Star Baptist Church, her hats grew bigger and full of color. He kept his vow to love, honor and cherish her in sickness and health as witnessed in his daily devotion to her. He did so, until her passing on November 2, 2015.

As the gates of heaven open, Pastor Fred D. Blackman, standing six feet and some change, with that contagious smile, joined hands with his wife, Helen Hunter, his parents Eugene and Freddie Mae Roberts, his only daughter Cheryl Uwnaka and a host of aunts, uncles’ cousins.

Pastor leaves to share and celebrate his homecoming, his four Sons, Fredrick Anthony Blackman, Reverend Fred Douglas Blackman Jr. and his wife, Sarah, Greg Eugene Blackman and his wife, Michelle, and Reverend Edwin DeMon Blackman and his wife, Monika Bertole, his Bonus children Helen “Mickey and her husband Gary Taylor, and John Hunter and his wife, Tammy, thirty grandchildren and five great grandchildren, a host of cousins and friends as well as the entire membership of Lone Star Baptist Church.

Reverend Fred D. Blackman, Sr. was a quite yet loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He leaves behind a legacy of life and love!  A church family that he loved just as much as his own family and friends that will always remember him fondly!  His larger-than-life ministry with a double douse of the Holy Ghost will be greatly missed.  His leadership and legacy will live on through all his dedicated work to the community but more so through the dedicated time, energy and love spent doing the Lord’s work!

Reverend Fred Blackman, Sr., 76, of Austin, passed away Monday evening, November 28, 2022.  Family and friends will gather at Lone Star Baptist Church on Sunday, December 4th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A Home Going Celebration will be conducted at Providence District Association Tabernacle of Cedar Creek on Monday, December 5th at 12:00 PM with Reverends Fred Blackman, Jr. and Eric Jones presiding.  Interment will follow at Colorado Chapel.