Harold Calder Blackwell, 89, of Hoopeston, passed away at 12:01 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at Accolade Healthcare of Danville.
He was born on March 17, 1934, in Danville, the son of James and Lucille (Finch) Blackwell. He married Naomi Jane Correll on August 31, 1990, at the Prairie Green Township Church, and they celebrated 27 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on December 22, 2018.
He is survived by one step-daughter- Dorothy L. (Robert Jr.) Rickart of Hoopeston; step-granddaughter- Deana L. (Correll) Hurt, (Julie Rosebraugh); step-great-grandson- Shawn Hurt; brother- Steve Blackwell; sister-Carol Marez; sister-in-law-Marsha Blackwell and Joyce Correll; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother-Lloyd Blackwell, sister-in-law-Barbara Blackwell, great-niece-Sydni Blackwell, great-nephew- Alex Pickett, two sisters-in-law-Edna I. (Correll) Albright and Vonna M. (Correll) Finley, three brothers-in-law- Dick Correll, Kenneth Albright and Lee Finley.
Harold served in the United States Marine Corp from 1953 to 1956 and later from 1959 to 1963. He later worked at Stokely’s and D.M. Fertilizers, as a truck driver, until his retirement. He was a member of the Rossville American Legion and Hoopeston VFW. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends at the VFW and bartending there as well. In his younger years, he enjoyed calling bingo at the VFW and he loved his ice-cold beer.
According to his wishes cremation rites have been arranged. Graveside services for Harold and Naomi Blackwell will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday May 10th, 2024, at the Danville National Cemetery, with Larry Baughn officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the Hoopeston American Legion. A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 11th, 2024, at the Hoopeston VFW #4826, 428 W. Orange Street, Hoopeston, Illinois 60942, where everyone is invited to attend and help celebrate the lives of Naomi and Harold Blackwell. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Harold’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.
