Richard R. Blackman " Wes"

Richard "Wes" R. Blackman was born to Ernest and Paula Blackman on February 12, 1951. Wes departed this earthly life on March 24, 2025. Both of Wes' parents preceded him in death as well as his grandparents Sylvester and Willa Mae Smith.

Wes was raised in Kansas City, MO and was a graduate of Central High School. After spending several semesters at UMKC, Wes decided to follow his passion. He had always dreamed of becoming a musician. With tremendous vision and determination, he moved to Los Angeles, CA and began what proved to be a very successful career.

He shared the stage with R&B greats such as: The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Eagles, Diana Ross, The Whispers, Bloodstone and Gladys Knight. In his own words "I make my guitar sing to the rapture of jazz, rhythm and blues, and other contemporary sounds".

During his time in Los Angeles, CA, Wes married Paula Robinson, designer and seamstress from Denver, CO.

Leaving the bright lights behind, Wes returned to Kansas City to care for his aging parents; however, his move did not stop the music. He formed various bands and came together with others to form the sounds of Bake and the Tenderhearts, Simplexity, Lady D and Round Midnight, KC Allstars and Jabon just to name a few. Wes also wrote songs and performed in numerous Kansas City clubs and other venues. He also shared his talent by playing in his local church and got great pleasure from teaching guitar lessons.

Wes would greet you with that warm smile. He was the peacemaker, the wise one, the mediator and the comedian. One of the kindest people you would ever meet.

Wes leaves to cherish his memories longtime partner Doris Handley of Kansas City, MO; one sister, Jo Carol Smith(Mike) of Lewisville, TX; one brother James Zollar (Nobuko) of Bronx, New York; goddaughter, Yamina Wahington of California; several cousins, Eric "Rico" Jonson of Branson, MO; Rose Andom of Denver, CO; Leslie Spencer of Denver, CO; Tristan Foster of Denver, CO; and a host of friends and musicians whose companionship he has enjoyed and whom he had "jammed" with over the years.