David Jeffrey Blackburn

The family of David Jeffrey Blackburn, 69, of Cedar Park, TX, sadly announces his passing on July 1, 2026. He was born on July 26, 1956 in Michigan City, IN, to Charles and Suzanne Blackburn. David’s early years were in Indiana, and he soon showed a special affinity with music, especially the piano by age 5. He was playing at an advanced level, was performing the Mary Poppins soundtrack, and already reading music at 8. It came naturally to him to produce and direct original plays with his sisters and cousins at Grandma’s house at Christmas, and with the neighborhood kids. David enjoyed piano lessons and recital performances, and these continued after the family moved to Boone, North Carolina in 1969. Through high school and college, David continued to grow as an accompanist, vocalist, and music director for a growing number of chorales and theatre productions. He honed his skills at Tweetsie Railroad and the Farmhouse restaurant in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. David’s dream of a career in music and theatre led him to Florida and Mobile, Alabama. He performed at supper clubs and on cruise ships, and wrote scores for plays. He found his way to San Antonio, at Six Flags. That is where David’s music career took a detour and he began working for Olive Garden, becoming a shift manager. He impressed his employer so much that they sent him to Italy to learn the finer points of Italian wines, and David became a regional wine manager. Not bad for someone allergic to wine! Despite his success in the restaurant business, his true love beckoned, and David made the move to the Austin area. He so enjoyed teaching voice and piano, especially helping young people develop their talents. He met Barbara Schuler and they eventually collaborated on the Austin Theatre Project. The years working with Barbara were the happiest of his life. His work with KidsActing summer camps meant a lot, as did working with Hendrickson High School’s theatre department as musical director, and playing for friends’ cabarets. Being a church pianist was very important to him. Predeceased by his father, Charles Blackburn, stepfather Hugh Tilson, and his nephew Samuel Blackburn, David is survived by his mother, Suzanne Tilson of Boone, NC; siblings and their spouses, Michael Blackburn (Caroline) of Newton, NC, Cindy Gore (Bill) of Butler, TN, and Rebecca Lapping (Stephan) of Pinehurst, NC; stepbrothers Joe Tilson (Diane) of Boone, NC, Larry Tilson (Joe) of Palm Beach, FL and Blowing Rock, NC, and Jeff Tilson (Lisa), of Ponte Vedra, FL; nieces and nephews Jennifer Brown (Johnny), Bert Gore (Heather), Isaac Blackburn (Suzanne), Kevin Lapping (Holli), Jeffrey Lapping (Emily), Bryce Lapping (Allison), Adam Tilson (Sarah), Ramsey Wilde (Brian), Haley Tilson. and nine great nieces and nephews. We must include David’s many dear cousins and dearest friend Barbara Schuler (Jim) of Cedar Park, TX. A Celebration of Life event in memory of David Blackburn will be held on July 15, 2026 at KidsActing, 6406 N IH 35, Ste 2150, Austin TX 78752. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: http://www.kidsactingstudio.com/kidsactin-foundation https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=DR9JVWWWNB2FC&source=qr

David Jeffrey Blackburn

July 26, 1956 - July 1, 2026