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Travis Blackbird Obituary
Travis was a graduate of Lawrence High School; Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, and Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas; receiving degrees in Social Work and Business Administration. Prior to becoming ill in 2010, he worked for the Southern Ute Indian Education Department in Ignacio, Colorado.
Travis was a double amputee and had experienced several health challenges. However, he remained positive and upbeat through the most difficult times. He enjoyed laughter and would even tease people, just to get them to laugh. He was an avid Kansas State University sports fan and attended a majority of the football bowl games. If he wasn't reading, he was doing what he took pride in – Native American Art of Beading.
Travis was an enrolled member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe of Ignacio, Colorado. He was also from the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa. His Omaha name, Egahshun, refers to "One who goes far off and comes home again." He is from the Earth Makers Clan of the Sky People from the Omaha Tribe. He was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church of Lawrence, Kansas and the Native American Church of the Omaha Tribe. He was also belonged to the Omaha Helushka Society and Omaha Tiah-Piah Society.
He is survived by his parents, Russell and Ann of Ignacio, Colorado; sister, Twyla of Durango, Colorado; grandparents, Clifford and Sarah Baker of Ignacio, Colorado; several other grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews of Colorado, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Elmer and Nancy Blackbird and Mabel Veaux Blackbird.
Omaha Tribal Native American Church services are pending in Macy, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Merrick, Jr. will be in charge. Burial will be at Omaha Tribal Cemetery, Macy, Nebraska. Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, Nebraska will be handling arrangements, along with Hood Mortuary, Durango, Colorado. A memorial service will be held at a later date on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Reservation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Travis Blackbird
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
January 20, 2015
Dr. Blackbird, please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family for you loss. My heart goes out to you all. Sending prayers for strength, comfort, and healing. ~ Von Villarreal
Emma Perry
January 18, 2015
Sorry to hear about Travis, my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tony Ballou
January 18, 2015
Condolences to the family prayers for Gods comfort/Blessings Take care Sir Russel and family!!!
Larry Bakerink
January 16, 2015
Russell and family-I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Please pass along my condolences to Twila.
Dan Neuenswander
January 15, 2015
Russell and family, I am so sorry about this loss of your son. My prayers and thoughts go with you through this incredibly difficult time.
January 15, 2015
Mr. & Mrs. Blackbird,
My heart is very saddened at the loss of Travis. I will always remember him for his humor and determination. My thoughts and prayers and with you all during this time.
With Deep Sympathy,
Lisa Owens, RN
Harry Salt
January 14, 2015
See you later little brother.
Russell,Ann and family sorry for your loss i miss him already.
Roger Clouser
January 14, 2015
Russell, Ann and Twyla,
My sympathy at this difficult time. Travis was an excellent guy and I wish him the best on his journey.
brenda gammill
January 14, 2015
Russell, Ann and family. Rick and I send our prayers and thoughts to you during this difficult time.
Brenda Gammill
Pamela Sanchez
January 14, 2015
Russell, Ann and Twyla - Sending prayers to your family.
Janet (Hill) Wozniak
January 14, 2015
Travis Blackbird was a special person from a kind, loving family. Sending warm positive thoughts for all the great memories we have of Travis. I can still see him walking around South Junior High. He was always surrounded by friends and he always had a smile on his face. - Janet (Hill) Wozniak
Becky Pittman
January 13, 2015
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
January 13, 2015
Russell, Ann, and Twyla--My. thoughts are with each of you as you celebrate Travis' life and begin the healing process, each in your own way. I know there is nothing I can say to make the pain go away but hope just knowing others truly do care will offer you a bit of comfort. Blessings to each of you.
Freda Gipp
January 13, 2015
Our condolences and prayers to the Blackbird family at the passing of Travis - a courageous and inspiring individual.
Tapedo/Gipp/Monteau Families of Lawrence, Kansas
Lynn Beets
January 13, 2015
Travis' family can be proud of the fine man they are sending on. May all in his family find healing and strength in the days ahead.
Denise Sanders
January 13, 2015
Run free with the wind my friend.
January 13, 2015
I always remember Travis with such a beautiful smile and great laugh. . I'm so sorry for your loss. All my love and prayers. KBuchleitner and family
willette whiteskunk
January 13, 2015
Travis had a beautiful smile. I can see him dancing at the pow wow.and his beadwork was stupendous. He will be missed. Creator be with the family.
Clenece Hills
January 13, 2015
The Blackbird family is in my heart during these sad days of saying goodbye to Travis. He will be remembered by many classmates and teachers in Lawrence. He was always a gentleman to me, and a gentle man for our world. I will miss him. Clenece Hills, Lawrence, Kansas
Anne Steinbacher
January 13, 2015
So sorry for your loss. I know he was a special guy because of Brad & Bret Romme. You are all in my prayers.
Anne Steinbac
January 13, 2015
his kind and friendly nature, he was very interesting and his knowledge of native culture was excellent. he will be missed.
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