John Thomas Blackwell passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2017, in Midland. John was 86, born on October 14, 1931, in Brady, Texas to Thomas Henry Blackwell and Davie (Dial) Blackwell. John already had cogitated about some funeral plans beforehand because he wouldn't have wanted to leave the burden to his bereft propinquity.
John was preceded in death by his parents and brother Don Blackwell. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Ann (Wilson) Blackwell; daughter Joan Everett and husband Phillip; grandsons Dustin Everett and wife Melissa, James Everett and Stephen Everett; daughter Marcia Mares and husband John; granddaughters Jennifer Jackson and husband Larry, Kelly Epps and husband Steve; grandson David Mares; daughter Lori Miller and husband Russell; granddaughters Leslie West and husband Quentin, and Mary Miller; grandsons Zachary Miller and Clay Miller; son John Thomas Blackwell Jr. and wife Kamilah; grandsons Joshua Blackwell and Andrew Blackwell and six great grandchildren.
John arrived in Midland in 1951. His first job was at Texas Electric in accounting. John then enlisted in the Army, attended officer’s training, earned the rank of First Lieutenant and served until 1953. He married Mary Wilson in 1954 and attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a B.A. in Business and Finance. John’s career lead him to the First National Bank of Midland. Later, he joined Rauscher Pierce as an investment broker where he worked for 38 years before retiring.
John was a dedicated family man. His life revolved around his wife and four children. John loved fishing and was a world class hunter with two Big Horn Sheep Grand Slams. He respected the environment and taught his children and grandchildren about responsible hunting. John enjoyed life and it showed. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Memorial services will be at 3:00 pm, Friday, December 8, 2017, at the First Baptist Church Chapel with Rev. David Johnson officiating. Family visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm, Thursday, December 7, 2017, at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Honorary pallbearers include Dustin Everett, James Everett, Stephen Everett, Zachary Miller, Clay Miller, David Mares, Joshua Blackwell, Andrew Blackwell, Larry Jackson and Steve Epps.
John’s family would like to express deep gratitude to long time helper Mary Lee and to friend and caregiver Manny Villareal who brightened so many days for John and Mary and to caregivers Lupe Martinez and Hilda Serrata for their kindness and dedication to John. The family extends sincere thanks to Brookdale Senior Living and their wonderful staff. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in honor of John.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
