June 14,1934 – December 30, 2024
Donald Gene Blackwell, age 90, passed away in the arms of his wife Barbara and was received into the arms of Jesus on December 30, 2024 in Amarillo, TX. He was born June 14, 1934 in Hedley TX as the middle child to Lowell and Opal (McPherson) Blackwell. Gene graduated from Amarillo High School in 1952 and earned a Bachelor’s degree from West Texas University in 1976.
Gene married his first and only love, Barbara Joyce Shannon, on July 24, 1953 and they made Amarillo their home. They had three children: Pam, Rick and Jojuan. Stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, Gene was a veteran of the Army and received medals as a sharpshooter. Gene worked at Pantex for 38 years, retiring in l996. He made many lifelong friends there who also loved to golf and fish.
After retirement Gene was a car transporter for John Chandler Ford for 20 years. He was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church and had a wonderful group of church friends who met every Tuesday for dinner and game night. Gene was on the Board of Directors at Pantex Credit Union from 1991-1997. Gene started working on cars and motorcycles with his dad and brother as a kid and continued that hobby throughout his life, connecting with other great friends who love cars. He also loved to golf every chance he got until age 86. He loved to travel with his job at Pantex and with his friends and family. But his greatest passion was spending time with all his family. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of love, integrity, honor and faith.
Those remaining to cherish Gene’s memory are his wife Barbara of 71 years; daughter Pam Roberson and husband Scott of Olton, TX; son Rick Blackwell and wife Lucinda of Fairhope, AL; daughter Jojuan Jones of Amarillo; grandchildren Brad Jones, Derek Roberson and wife Laurie, Holly Morgan and fiancé Jeremiah Dorsett, Joni Buzarde and husband Brian, Chandler Blackwell, Amelia Blackwell; and great-grandchildren Kaleigh, Brian, Jaxon, Max, Dash and Brooks.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, sister Yvonne Koontz, brother Joe Mac Blackwell and grandson Brian Todd Jones.
Visitation will be held at Memorial Park Thursday, January 2, from 5:30-7 p.m. Burial will be at Memorial Park Friday, January 3, at 9 a.m. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at 10 a.m. at Second Baptist Church (419 N. Buchanan, Amarillo, TX) Friday, January 3. Pastor Larry Davis will officiate.
Memorial can be made to Second Baptist Church, 419 N. Buchanan, Amarillo, TX 79107.
