Our beloved David Michael Blackard, age 69, entered Heaven to be with Jesus on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at his home after a sudden and brief illness. His wife of seventeen years, Donna, was by his side.
David was a kind, cherished and faithful member of First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach, FL. He was active in his Bible Study class, always present in Worship Services, and he sang in seasonal events in the church choir. Upon David's passing, his Pastor also wrote David will be remembered fondly by the church membership for his devoted walk with Christ, his impeccable character, his loving and friendly relationship with others, that warm smile, genuine sense of humor, and his deep faith in the Lord.
David was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, the son of Laverne and Wilma Blackard, on August 21, 1952.
Within a year, his Dad moved the family to Pompano Beach where Laverne soon took a teaching position at Pompano Beach High School.
David's early work included blueprint work, and the research, creating and setting up of exhibitions for trade shows. A passion for David since he was a boy was with the Native Americans who reside here in South Florida. This love for Seminoles along with hard work and focus earned David several enriching and satisfying positions with the AH-TAH-THI-KI museum, located in Clewiston, FL, on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. He was the first museum curator and later became the museum's director. His contribution to Seminole scholarship was "Patchwork Palmettos; Seminole Miccosukee Folk-Art since 1920". A favorite quote of David's was "I can't live without books" by Thomas Jefferson.
Hobbies for David as an adult included life-like paintings of American Indians, Plains Pow-Wow singing, ballroom dancing, road trips, visiting museums and reading (of course). Since childhood, David was a member of the Boy Scout American Eagle Scout troop 134, of Pompano Beach. He was selected in the mid 60's for troop membership to the order of the Arrow National Honor Society and for years taught Scouters the art of American singing and dancing/drumming. David was presented with the prestigious Orders Founders Award. This past year, the National Outstanding Eagle Scout award was given to him for his commitment to scouting and his community.
David's beautiful voice could be heard singing old hymns at home as well as places of worship. His niece Leslie and great friend since childhood reminds us that "David's bright light touched the lives of so many and he will always be in our hearts."
Surviving are his wife Donna (Wolske) Blackard of Pompano Beach, FL; his adult children Cat (Eleanore) Blackard, of Winter Park, FL and Jonathan (Kristin) West of Gainesville, FL; his brother Dr. John Blackard of Stuart, FL, his sister Ruth Fox of Tampa, FL and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation for VITAS Health Care or to First Baptist Church, Pompano Beach, FL – for Missions or Education/Bibles.
A funeral service was held Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 11:30 AM at First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach, FL. 33060.
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