Byrne D. Blackwood, 88 of Springfield, MO passed away during the evening of January 7, 2019.

Byrne was born in Chanute, KS on March 6, 1930.  Known affectionally as "B", he completed degrees at Emporia State, University of Arkansas and earned a Ph.D. in Theatrical Architecture from the University of Kansas.  In a lifetime of teaching, Byrne held faculty positions at Univ. of Arkansas, Univ. of Mississippi, Stetson Univ. and 37 years at Missouri State Univ. Simply said, teaching was his passion and his life's work. He always found time in and out of the classroom to help his students. Byrne was a cofounder of MSU's Tent Theatre and was its managing director for over 25 years. He was a founding member of USITT and served on many local boards including Springfield Little Theatre, Springfield Ballet, Springfield Regional Opera and The Restoration Board of the Gillioz Theatre. He was bestowed many honors including an Ozzie Award from the Springfield Arts Council and an Award of Appreciation from Missouri State.  Byrne was also a working board member and past president of the AIDS Project of the Ozarks over a period of 25 years.

Byrne designed sets and lighting for decades of performances at Missouri State and was selected as a guest designer at Pittsburg State, Univ. of Missouri, Univ. of Arkansas, Louisiana Tech Univ. and Texas Lutheran Univ.  Byrne designed, directed, and performed in productions at Springfield Little Theatre and designed productions for the Springfield Opera and performances by the Springfield Ballet

Blackwood is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret and two sons, Randy (Joyce Owen) of Springfield and Kevin (Judy) of Clearwater, FL, his granddaughter Marisa of Tampa, FL and two brothers, Dwight in Chanute, KS and Kent (Dorothy) in Louisville, KY.  Byrne leaves behind his nieces and nephews Tim, Linda, Jay and Kay and a huge audience of former students, colleagues, and arts patrons throughout the country.  Further details on Byrne's life can be found at: http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2019/01/08/b-blackwood-icon-missouri-state-university-tent-theatre-dies/2483184002

At his request, B has been cremated and a visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf/Brentwood on Saturday, January 12 between 2 and 4 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the Byrne Blackwood Scholarship at Missouri State University, or an agency of the donor's choice.

Special appreciation from the family goes to the staff at Mercy Hospital Comfort Care for their tenderness and compassion in their care and a heartfelt thank you to all the friends in the community that have reached out to the family.