Darrell Blackman

Darrell (Sam) Blackman passed away on July 18, 2015 at the age of 90. He was born on December 21, 1924 in Hutto, Texas. He attended Hutto School through the 8th grade but in order to participate in a better athletic program he then transferred to Taft High School in Taft, Texas where he lived with his grandparents until graduating in 1942.

After volunteering for the service in 1942, he continued his studies at Schriener Institute until he was accepted in the Navy in 1943. He attended Ground School in California, pre-flight school at St. Mary’s, then Norman Naval Air Station in Oklahoma and on to advanced flight training at the Corpus Naval Air Station. The war ended just about the time Sam got his pilot’s wings. Sam would joke and tell his grandkids that when the enemy heard grandad was on the way they surrendered.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Sam returned to Hutto. The Hutto Superintendent asked Sam to coach the 1945-46 school year and drive the bus … all for the bus driver’s salary. Sam accepted the job and started his career as a football coach.

At the Hutto school he met his wife, Helen Krueger Blackman. After their marriage in 1946, Sam returned to school at Southwestern University in Georgetown where he earned a degree in Health and Physical Education in 1948. He continued his education at the University of Texas where he earned a Master’s degree in 1949.

His next coaching job was in Giddings, Texas in 1949. He also coached in Round Rock from 1952-56. Sam finished his coaching career in the Austin School District with 12 years at Fullmore J.H. and another three years at Webb J.H. During this time, Sam and Helen had two children, Darrell and Suzan.

In 1973 Sam retired from coaching and accepted a position with the State Health Department and worked in Lubbock, Texas until his retirement in 1982.

Sam and Helen then returned to Hutto where Sam worked in the cattle and hay business with his son Darrell. Sam and Darrell also took over the family-owned building on Highway 79 which housed Snuffy’s Bar and Grill. Sam ran Snuffy’s for several years until he sold the business and retired for good.

In his real retirement, Sam enjoyed exercising, working in his greenhouse, workshop and tending to his farm properties. Sam and Helen were blessed to be able to travel and took many wonderful trips with friends and family. Sam was a devoted husband for 69 years, a wonderful father and grandfather. He was a kind and generous man with a wonderful sense of humor who will be greatly missed here on earth but heaven is rejoicing at the arrival of such a sweet soul.

Sam is survived by his wife, Helen, his daughter, Suzan (and husband Jay Browning), grandchildren Taylor and Jamie Browning, and Trey Blackman. His son Darrell predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Palm Valley Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Palm Valley Lutheran Church, Round Rock, Texas with the Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Hutto Cemetery, Hutto, Texas.