Melvin G. Blackwell, 93, of Tekonsha passed away Monday, August 19, 2024 at his family farm surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 212 W. Hanover St., Marshall, MI , 49068, located at the corner of Eagle and Green Streets with Rev. Fr. Craig Lusk as celebrant. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Tekonsha.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 6:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail, Union City, MI, 49094.
Melvin was born on January 14, 1931 to Lester and Verna (Palmer) Blackwell on the family’s farm in Tekonsha, Michigan. He graduated from Tekonsha High School with the Class of 1949. November 25, 1950, Melvin married the love of his life, Barbara Diamond, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshall.
Melvin worked at Sherer-Gillett in Marshall and later as a school bus driver and custodian for 17 years at Tekonsha Community Schools before retiring in 1998. He was also a third generation milk hauler, all while working and later owning the family’s centennial farm, raising dairy and beef cattle.
The family hosted many nieces and nephews on the farm during the summers.
Melvin, with Barbara at his side, enjoyed traveling to Spain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, England, Italy and 49 U.S. states. He loved watching his grandkids and great grandkids play sports and attend their music events. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing with his brother-in-law Tom, rodeos, and doing puzzles.
He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshall, a past 4-H leader, and helped plan community events for Tekonsha Township.
Survivors include Melvin’s wife of 73 years, Barbara; his daughter Constance Mack of Kalamazoo; his grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) Willbur of Cleveland Heights, OH, Angela (Paul) Henry of Middleville, MI, his great-grandchildren Adalyn and Remington Henry; his sister-in-law Jane Baker of Sheffield, OH, and his many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Marilyn Fitts and Marjorie Lloyd.
Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Hospice, 7100 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo, MI, 49009 or Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Center, 300 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017.
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