Bethel "Bill" Blackwell

Bethel "Bill" Blackwell, age 79 of Temple, died Thursday, May 28, 2015 at a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, June 1, 2015 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home with Rev. Gary DeSalvo officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6-8:00 PM Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the funeral home. Mr. Blackwell was born on February 14, 1936 in New Philadelphia, Ohio to the late Raymond E. G. Blackwell and Ados L. Bates. He attended schools in Ohio. Bill served his country in Korea with the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. He has lived in the Temple area since the early 1950's. Bill married Pat Goolsby in Cameron on November 3, 1977. He worked at Texas Hydraulics, Belton Machine and Tool and later for Temple Machine Shop and recently received his 25 year service award. Bill played guitar for Bill Henderson and the Sundowners and was a former member of the CenTex Bass Hunters Club. He enjoyed fishing and in recent years, became an avid golfer. Bill was a member of Temple Bible Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Pat Blackwell of Temple; step daughter, Melissa Thompson and husband Dean of Harker Heights; step son, Jimmy Britton of Temple; four sisters, Zelma L. Shook, Ramona L. Runions, Marcia A. Runions and Vera V. Runions, all of Tennessee; several grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Memorials may be given in Bill's name to the American Heart Association or to the charity of choice.