Obituary for Donald "Don" Kimble Blackwell
Donald Kimble “Don” Blackwell, of Morton, IL, died Friday, 18 March 2022, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. He was born 15 December 1950, in Peoria, IL, the son of Donald E. and Alice L. (née Kimble) Blackwell. He graduated with honors from Chillicothe High School (IVC), Chillicothe, IL in 1969; a keen athlete, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He attended University of Illinois on a full football scholarship, graduating in 1973 with a degree in business administration. He joined Caterpillar, Inc shortly after graduation and remained a loyal employee until his retirement forty-one years later.
He married Nancy A. Calkins on Valentine’s Day 1976 in Pekin, IL.
He loved golf, and he could be found at the golf course several times each week, spending winters after retirement anywhere he could play a round in the sun. To him, his brightest achievement was his daughter, Stephanie, who shared his love of football. The two could always be found together on Sunday, following their favorite teams.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, William “Billy” Blackwell, and Duane (Karen) Blackwell.
Besides his wife and daughter, he is survived by his sister, Deborah (Barry) Lane, brother-in-law Carl (Dee) Calkins, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.
Cremation rites have been accorded. As he requested, there will be no visitation; services and disposition of ashes will be private. A celebration of his life will be scheduled when golf season is in full bloom.
Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research, Memphis TN; Lymphoma Research Foundation, 88 Pine Street Suite 2400, New York, NY 10005; OSF Richard Owens Hospice Center, Peoria, IL; or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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He married Nancy A. Calkins on Valentine’s Day 1976 in Pekin, IL.
He loved golf, and he could be found at the golf course several times each week, spending winters after retirement anywhere he could play a round in the sun. To him, his brightest achievement was his daughter, Stephanie, who shared his love of football. The two could always be found together on Sunday, following their favorite teams.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, William “Billy” Blackwell, and Duane (Karen) Blackwell.
Besides his wife and daughter, he is survived by his sister, Deborah (Barry) Lane, brother-in-law Carl (Dee) Calkins, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.
Cremation rites have been accorded. As he requested, there will be no visitation; services and disposition of ashes will be private. A celebration of his life will be scheduled when golf season is in full bloom.
Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research, Memphis TN; Lymphoma Research Foundation, 88 Pine Street Suite 2400, New York, NY 10005; OSF Richard Owens Hospice Center, Peoria, IL; or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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