Memorial services for Ret. Sgt. Maj. Noel W. Blackwell, U.S. Army, 83, of
Leesville, will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 6 at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.
Ret. Sgt. Maj. Noel W. Blackwell, U.S. Army, passed away on Feb. 1,
2013. He was born on Dec. 2, 1929, near Blackwell, Miss.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Johanna Blackwell; son, Noel D. Blackwell; daughters, Victoria Davidson and Lauren Elly; grandson, Neal Brandstable; granddaughters, Andre
Flaghton and Elisa and his ex-wife, Ellanor. He is also survived by his stepfamilies, “The LeForts,” George, Mellissa, Cody, Darien, Conner, Deven, and Matthew; “The Strawsers,” Robin, Amber, Chris, Lance, Ashley, Amanda and two great grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother, Harold and wife, Helen Blackwell; and sisters, Wilma, Delores and Norma.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Burnett Blackwell and sister, Elizabeth.
Blackwell entered the Army
in January 1951 and retired in February 1975. He served two years in Korea, one year in Vietnam and five years in Alaska. In Alaska, he was a member of a rescue team. He had the opportunity to try out for the Olympics Cross Country Ski Team. He was a
ski instructor, mountain climber and did ice glacier work. He had the opportunity to climb on the highest mountain in North America. His decorations were numerous upon his retirement. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American
Legion. He volunteered many hours to the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and AUSA. He served two years on the Civil Service Committee of the city of Leesville.
His strong beliefs in the Ten Commandments always assisted him in his
endeavors. He believed that you assume control for your own actions, and when you made a mistake learn from it and don’t do it again.
He had a special son that needed his full time supervision. He never had the “why me” syndrome, and
always knew it could be worse.
He and Johanna were avid travelers; they traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad to include Europe, South and Central America, Hawaii, Falkin Island and The Fanning Islands in the
Southern Hemispheres.
Memorial donations can be made to The American Legion Scholarship Fund or charity of choice.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the Blackwell family at www.labbymemorial.com.