William L. Blackwell, 55

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William L. “Billy” Blackwell, 55, of Vandalia, died on Saturday, July 18, 2020, at 12 p.m. at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gieseking Funeral Home in Brownstown. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Joe Lawson officiating. Burial will be conducted in Griffith Cemetery in Brownstown with military rites by the Crawford-Hale American Legion Post #95 and Brownstown VFW Post #9770. Those attending the services are asked to adhere to CDC guidelines by wearing masks and social distancing.

Mr. Blackwell was born March 3, 1965, in Vandalia, to William and Margaret (Leininger) Blackwell.

He served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Vandalia Moose Lodge.

Mr. Blackwell loved Harley Davidson motorcycles, boats, hunting, fishing, dancing, the Dallas Cowboys, and was proud of his Cherokee heritage. He will forever be dancing in the hearts of his family members.

He is survived by his father and stepmother, William (Panzi) Blackwell of Brownstown; mother and stepfather, Margaret (Steve) Genn of Alma; sons, Bo Blackwell and Alex Blackwell, both of Vandalia; daughters, Stephanie Blackwell of South Roxana, Alexis Blackwell and Makayla Blackwell, both of Vandalia; brothers, Todd (Nancy) Blackwell of Brownstown and Jim (Sarah) Depew of Springfield; sisters, Lisa (Fred) Coleman of Donnellson, Jennifer (Trent) Logue of St. Elmo and Jill (Don) Jenkins of Florida; grandchildren, Gabriel, Greyson, Christian, Kaden, Addison, Braxton, Max and Emyalisse; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Blackwell was preceded in death by his grandparents; and sister, Cora Blackwell.

Online condolences to the family may be left at www.giesekingfh.com.