Byron Lynn Blagburn

Byron Lynn Blagburn, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, May 8, in Auburn, Alabama. 

Byron was born on March 22, 1947, in Cottonwood, Missouri, to Mildred Louise (Blurton) Blagburn and Dalton Edward Blagburn. He grew up in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Byron was not only a dedicated scientist but also a man of many passions. He was fascinated by guitars, a passion that started at an early age and led him to perform in multiple bands. He also had a keen interest in music, which he pursued by training at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. His academic journey led him to receive a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Andrews University and a Ph.D. in Parasitology from the University of Illinois.

Dr. Blagburn arrived at Auburn University in March 1982 and held a continuous faculty appointment for over 40 years. In 1999, Dr. Blagburn became just the 10th Distinguished University Professor in Auburn University's history. Byron instructed first, third, and fourth-year veterinary students, directed graduate research, and served as the director of the clinical parasitology diagnostic laboratory. Dr. Blagburn is recognized internationally for his work and research in veterinary parasitology and most recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Companion Animal Parasite Council. 

He was not just a scientist and an educator but a mentor and a friend to many. Byron was sincerely grateful to his students and colleagues for their support and friendship throughout his academic and professional journey. His relationships with them were not just professional but deeply personal, and he cherished these connections.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Homer and Dora Blagburn, William and May Blurton, and his parents, Dalton and Mildred Blagburn. His fur buddies Piper, Hoss, Darby, Scotch, Alice, and Georgia. Byron is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Blagburn, son Matthew Blagburn, daughter-in-law Katherine Blagburn, and granddaughter, Amelia "Millie" Blagburn, brother Charles (Barbara) Blagburn, sister Linda (Jim) Clegg; nephews Steven (Nicole) Blagburn and Ryan (Ashlee) Clegg, and great-nephews Ryan Clegg Jr., Dalton Blagburn, Mason Blagburn, Cannon Blagburn, and great-niece Laney Blagburn.  

The Blagburn family will provide service information at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the EAGLES program at Auburn University, which provides a post-secondary education opportunity for students with intellectual disabilities, or West Auburn Baptist Church, where Kathy has been a member for more than 20 years.