Danny Joe Blackwell, 77, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Indiana University Health Bedford Hospital.
Born July 7, 1946, in Mitchell, he was the son of Ernest and Lucille (Luttrell) Blackwell. He married his neighbor, classmate, and best friend, Ruthanne Flinn on October 31, 1964 and she survives. They were married over 59 years.
Danny was a 1964 graduate of Mitchell High School. He retired from Lehigh Cement Company after 42 years. Danny was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, a member of American Legion Post No. 250, and active in the Honor Guard. He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 228 F.&A.M. Danny was a member of the Mitchell First Baptist Church and a member of Gideons International. He served on the board as President for the White River Humane Society. Danny was an avid sports fan; especially Indiana University football and basketball. He loved his family, friends, and the 42 years spent at Lehigh. He always loved his weekly dinners with his classmates. Danny loved life, people, and meeting new people. You never saw him without a smile. He will truly be missed.
Surviving are his wife, Ruthanne Blackwell of Bedford; son, Danny J. (Shelly) Blackwell of Mitchell; grandchildren, Danny Joe (Jamie) Blackwell II of Denver, Colorado, Zachary Blackwell of Naples, Florida, Taylor (Elijah Frank) Blackwell of Bedford, McKenzi (Kyle) Blackwell of Bloomington, and Kennedy Abel of Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Daisy, Indie, Effie, Lottie, and Wren; brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Janet Fiddler of Bedford; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and siblings, Leon Blackwell, Jack Blackwell, Bob Blackwell, and Shirley Sloan, preceded him in death.
Celebration of Life service will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4, at the Mitchell First Baptist Church with Reverend Reggie Clark, Reggie Joslin, and Pastor Travis Inman officiating. Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until the service on Sunday at the First Baptist Church.
Memorial Donations: White River Humane Society or American Lung Association
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com.
