WASHINGTON — Former Rep. Ben Blackburn, who played a pivotal role in shaping The Heritage Foundation as chairman of its board of trustees during the think tank's early years, has died. He was 97. 

Blackburn served as Heritage’s chairman from 1974 to 1982, helping guide the organization from a small conservative policy group to a leading source of ideas and direction for the Reagan administration. 

In November 2007, Heritage honored Blackburn by unveiling a portrait of him, painted by Viatcheslav Likhatchev, during its annual President’s Club meeting in Washington, D.C. The portrait remains on permanent display at Heritage’s headquarters. 

Before his work at Heritage, Blackburn represented Georgia’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1966 to 1972. He served on the House Committee on Banking and Currency and the Joint Economic Committee. After stepping down as chairman of Heritage, he continued to serve on the board until 1984. Blackburn then worked as a southeastern regional representative for the U.S. Department of Transportation from 1985 to 1989 before retiring in 1990. 

A dedicated public servant, Blackburn’s career spanned law, politics, and policy. He practiced law and served two years on the staff of the Georgia attorney general. A veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, Blackburn retired from the Navy Reserve with the rank of lieutenant commander. 

He is survived by his children, Michael Blackburn (Jeneen), Robert Blackburn, Kathryn Blackburn Boyce (Ronald W. Boyce), and David Blackburn (Beth); sisters, Jane Disbrow (Marcus Disbrow) and Nancy Bracewell (James Bracewell); fourteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. 

Edwin J. Feulner, founder and former president of The Heritage Foundation, issued the following statement: 

"In our earliest years, Ben Blackburn understood both the potential impact of Heritage and the need for an independent, serious board of trustees to lend credibility to this fledgling institution and guide it through the challenges of the Washington environment. He was always available to those of us who had the honor of working with him over the years. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of service—both to Heritage and beyond—will endure forever." 

Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, added: 

“Ben Blackburn’s steadfast leadership and vision helped transform The Heritage Foundation from a small idea into a powerhouse of conservative thought. His dedication to advancing freedom and his service to this nation—in war, in Congress, and at Heritage—will inspire generations to come. We honor his legacy and celebrate a life well-lived.”