ROBERT B. BLACKWELL

Robert Blackwell

Robert B. Blackwell, 87, of Lewistown died at 2:58 a.m. Sept. 5, 2012, at Graham Hospital in Canton.

He was born April 7, 1925, in rural Ellisville, a son of Wiley and Annie Berry Blackwell. He first married Marilyn Stockham. He later married Joan Johnson on Sept. 1, 1989, in Lewistown. She preceded him in death on April 2, 2012.

He also was preceded in death by one brother.

Surviving are two sons, Steve (and Pam) Blackwell and Barry (and Terresa) Blackwell, both of Lewistown; two stepchildren, Jo Ellen Johnson of Springfield and Andrewe (and Stephanie) Johnson of Lewistown; one brother, Don Blackwell of Arkansas; two sisters, Lillian Blackwell and Anne Blackwell, both of Santa Barbara, Calif.; four grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren.

He was the supply supervisor at Illinois River Correctional Center in Canton and retired after 20 years. He had managed Pratt Lumber from 1973-89 and from 1955-73, he worked at Isaac Walker in Peoria. He also had operated the Brilliant Bronze gas station and owned Bobs Cab, both in Lewistown.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1949-52.

He was a member of Lewistown United Methodist Church; Lewistown VFW Post 5001; Lewistown American Legion Bishop Post 1; Lewistown Optimist Club, where he served as past president; Lewistown Lodge AF and AM 104; and the Shrine and Consistory, both of Peoria.

Services were held Monday at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Reverend Deryck Sonaram officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown with military services conducted by Lewistown VFW and Lewistown American Legion.

Memorials may be made to Lewistown Lodge AF and AM 104 or Lewistown United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent to www.henrylange.com.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 9/12/2012