Former L.S. Councilmember Blackwell passes away at age 80
Published on Mon, Sep 20, 2010 by JOURNAL STAFFRead More Local News
John “Jack” Donavon Blackwell, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, Retired passed away on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010.
Blackwell was born on August 8, 1930.
Blackwell passed away peacefully at home after a valiant 10 year battle with cancer.
Through sheer will and positive attitude he managed to maintain an active life nearly to the end.
He was born in Maryville, Missouri, graduated from Orleans High School in Nebraska and joined the Army upon graduation. During this time he married Grace M. Smith of State College, Pennsylvania, graduated from Penn State University and embarked upon a career in Federal Civil Service.
He was commissioned in the Army Reserve where he served 36 years. He was a loving father to four children; John Blackwell, Jr., James Blackwell, Jeanne Marie Hinds and Michael Dale Blackwell.
He had a long history of community service starting with years as PTA president and as a Boy Scout counselor. Upon moving to Washington he joined the Eagles and was instrumental in getting the new Granite Falls aerie built.
He went on to serve on the Lake Stevens Planning Commission and City Council until 2000. He also served as a director on the boards of Senior Services of Snohomish County and the Snohomish County Health District.
He was an active volunteer with the Lake Stevens Food Bank and the Everett Chapter of the Red Cross.
At 75 years of age he served on three deployments serving the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Blackwell was born on August 8, 1930.
Blackwell passed away peacefully at home after a valiant 10 year battle with cancer.
Through sheer will and positive attitude he managed to maintain an active life nearly to the end.
He was born in Maryville, Missouri, graduated from Orleans High School in Nebraska and joined the Army upon graduation. During this time he married Grace M. Smith of State College, Pennsylvania, graduated from Penn State University and embarked upon a career in Federal Civil Service.
He was commissioned in the Army Reserve where he served 36 years. He was a loving father to four children; John Blackwell, Jr., James Blackwell, Jeanne Marie Hinds and Michael Dale Blackwell.
He had a long history of community service starting with years as PTA president and as a Boy Scout counselor. Upon moving to Washington he joined the Eagles and was instrumental in getting the new Granite Falls aerie built.
He went on to serve on the Lake Stevens Planning Commission and City Council until 2000. He also served as a director on the boards of Senior Services of Snohomish County and the Snohomish County Health District.
He was an active volunteer with the Lake Stevens Food Bank and the Everett Chapter of the Red Cross.
At 75 years of age he served on three deployments serving the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
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