Vernon Blackwell

Bossier City--Vernon Blackwell, born Dec. 15, 1920, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 13 2005, after a brave and lengthy struggle with lung cancer. The family will receive friends from 7:00pm until 9:00pm on Tuesday at Boone Funeral Home and the services will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at 11:00am in the chapel of Boone Funeral Home, with Dr. Scott J. Teutsch of Eastwood Baptist Church and Chaplain Steve Parker of St. Joseph's Hospice presiding. Burial will follow at Westlake Cemetery in Doyline, LA. Mr. Blackwell was greatly loved and respected by his children and his wife, as well as everyone else who had the privilege of meeting him. He had a great sense of humor, a wonderful smile, and immense love and affection for his wife, his son and his daughters. He made it clearly evident in words and actions his great devotion for his family, his country and his God. He was a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and proudly served his country in WWII. He retired from Cotton Belt Railroad after 33 years. Until the very end, he was openly and madly in love with his bride of 61 years, Mrs. Gladys Carter Blackwell, He has left a wonderful legacy and will be sorely missed by his son, Vernon Wayne Blackwell of Shreveport, and daughters Patricia Gail Ethredge of Katy, TX and Sherry Ann McDonald of Bossier City. He leaves behind five living grandchildren, Elisa Dareing, Jennifer McGrew, Clayton Ethredge, Todd McDonald, and Randal McDonald; eight great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and Sally Blackwell, 7 brothers and 4 sisters and his granddaughter, Melissa McDonald. Pallbearers for Mr. Blackwell will be Mike Carter, Bruce Dareing, Ian Dareing, Keith Dareing, Clay Ethredge, and Todd McDaniel. E.V. McDaniel and Jerry Wells will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of St. Joseph Hospice for their care in this time of need. Boone Funeral Home Bossier Chapel