Tommy Keith Blackburn was born on March 16, 1974 in Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He was born three weeks premature and his early arrival came while his father was out of town, which resulted in him missing the birth.

Bob and Mary Studebaker, were encouraging, loving parents that cared deeply for Keith and would do anything for him.

Keith grew up in a small and friendly community, where all the neighbors helped each other and watched out for each other’s children. He was particularly close with his two best friends, Justin and Jeremy. As young boys they were inseparable and had big plans. They were going to pull their money together, buy a van, and head to California for the adventures of their lifetime. They were the “Three Musketeers!!!” Of course, high school years, dating, and college plans changed all this, but they are still friends today.

Bob and Mary were very social and Keith’s childhood was filled with picnics, celebrations and holiday family gatherings. As a child Keith loved race cars. He enjoyed playing and collecting Matchbox and Hot Wheels. One of his memorable things in life was fishing with his Grandpa Earl, he treasured these fishing trips and as a father he shared this passion with his two sons, Andru and Alex. He also loved swimming and was part of his high school swim team. He loved to camp, hang out with friends and cousins, and listen to music. His favorite shows as a child was Starsky & Hutch and the Dukes of Hazard. He was thrilled when his Uncle Michael bought a 1970 orange Dodge Charger that looked just like the General Lee. Every time he got a chance he would be riding alongside his Uncle in his favorite automobile. They would often refer to each other as Starsky & Hutch!

As he got older, Keith spent time playing baseball and hockey, but his passion for music led him to play the drums, which his father Bob taught him. They would practice for hours and hours in the basement until he got it and he became an excellent drummer. He played in a few bands including joining his church band with his father. He also loved drama and was in several school and church plays. He was also intrigued by the Civil War, which became a hobby of his. He needed to know everything he could about it and read, collected, and hoped one day to visit Gettysburg, PA with his family.

Keith graduated from Annapolis High School. He went on to attend both Wayne County and Schoolcraft Community College, studying mechanics and then business. He worked as a mechanic, at two dealerships and he also obtained his real estate license and worked as an agent for a short time. He had many other jobs but his love for autos always brought him back to this career.

Keith’s greatest joy was being a father to his two sons, Andru Robert and Alexander Dale (Both middle names came from their grandpa Robert Dale Studebaker). The family would refer to him as “Mr. Mom”, because he just loved being a dad. He enjoyed doing everything with them. Sports were another passion that his boys and he shared. He coached their Hockey and Baseball teams and supported them in everything they did.

Keith enjoyed traveling to West Virginia as a child and it was one of his favorite places to visit. He loved spending the summers with his two aunts, Patty and Cathy, and wanted to share this experience with his two sons. They made it a tradition on Easter, during spring break, and they would go to West Virginia. His boys also loved and treasured these trips. Being with family, four-wheeling, fishing, and the awesome mountains were a great get-a-away from city life.

Keith made sure to take time to enjoy life and his passions. He loved to read and collect his favorite books. He enjoyed writing—especially poetry. He played the drums and listened to music. He even loved building model cars.

Growing up with a single parent, his Mother, when times would get tough they would always say to each other, “You can do it! You can do it! If you put your mind to it!” One of their dearest sayings to each other was; “Baby, you’re the greatest”, taken from the Honeymooners.

We know everyone will remember Keith for his great sense of humor, his contagious smile, his kind eyes, and the great person he was.

Tommy Keith Blackburn passed away on March 2, 2016 at the age of 41. He was the loving father of Andru Robert and Alexander Dale. He was the dear son of Bob and Mary Studebaker, and the late Tommy Keith. He was the beloved grandson of the late Joseph and the late Edna Obermeyer and the late Earl and Alvie Taylor. He was the dearest fiancé of Lisa Rivera (sons Gabriel and Julian).

Tommy’s life will be celebrated on Monday, March 7th, with his visitation beginning at 2pm and ending at 8pm. His funeral service will follow on Tuesday, March 8th, at 11am at McCabe Funeral Home in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Personalized Nursing Light House in Plymouth, MI.