Former Oklahoma HD 88 Representative Debbie Blackburn has died. House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, Rep. Meloyde Blancett, and Rep. Annie Menz expressed condolences and noted her work on affordable housing and education. Munson said, "Her work inside and outside of the legislature was always focused on helping people achieve the life they deserved," and offered sympathies to Blackburn’s husband, Dr. Bob Blackburn, and their children, Beau and Tori, according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Representative Ellen Pogemiller now serves the district formerly represented by Debbie Blackburn. She said, "Her passion for her district and for Oklahomans was unparalleled and I am forever grateful for her service and legacy in HD 88," as reported by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Representative Blancett and others remembered Blackburn for her work in public service and promoting homeownership. Blancett said, "Not only was she kind and encouraging to others, but she was an absolute firecracker with a fierce drive to make life better. She was the epitome of the term Servant Leader," and Menz said, "I remember above all how kind and encouraging she was to me when we spoke." Blackburn's family asked that donations be made to the Bob Blackburn Collections Endowment Fund for the Oklahoma Historical Society at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, as mentioned by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
