Don Blackwell

Elmer Donald Blackwell 90 (best known as Don), passed away peacefully of Parkinsons at The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch on October 28, 2024 which is the birthday of his mother; October 28th. He was born, as only child, in Oklahoma City on May 26th, 1934 to the late Elmer Jackson Blackwell and Dorothy Marie Mitchell. His first memory was 4 years old playing marbles on the floor in his mothers' beauty salon. When he was 8 years old, his family moved to San Diego, California where he would build his life. In 1952 Don was elected President of San Diego Chapter of The Demolay.After graduating from La Lolla High School where he played varsity football, he attended San Diego State graduating at age 21 in 1955 with a B.A in Economics. He was a member of the Lions Club of Imperial Beach for many years. For part of his career he worked on the Titan missle program and the Mercury program as engineer with General Dynamics in San Diego and Lincoln, Nebraska for 9 years. He then transitioned to IBM as Senior Programmer for 10 years. In 1977 he moved back to San Diego to manage a mobile home park. Don retired as as a trustee and manager of that mobile home park in 2011 whereupon, his pending divorce, he relocated to Sarasota, FL from Chula Vista, CA. Don embraced creativity and enjoyed painting. His lifelong hobby was stamp collecting. He was an avid traveler. He traveled extensively in the US and loved going on cruises throughout the world. His most memorable destination was Buenos Aires, Argentina. He leaves behind his siblings: From first marriage to Donna Kathleen Edmonds-Donald Douglas Blackwell of Sarasota, FL; Gregory Allen Blackwell of Chula Vista, CA. From second marriage to Kathleen "Kit" Elizabeth Cole-Brian Andrew Blackwell of New Braunfels, TX; Stephen David Blackwell of Aliso Viejo, CA; William S.J. Blackwell of Chula Vista, CA. Don was married a third time to Linda Jean Delprete-no children. Grandchildren Vaughn Blackwell of CA; Alexandria Blackwell of CA; Jake Blackwell of CA; Emily Blackwell of San Antonio, TX; Nicole Blackwell of San Antonio, TX. Don will be missed by all those who cared for him at The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch assisted living facility, as well as his son Donald who looked after him in his later years.

Don Blackwell

May 26, 1934 - October 28, 2024