Ronald William Blackwell

Ronald William Blackwell born in Washington, DC, and from Rantoul, IL and Phoenix, AZ passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Ronald was born September 26, 1952 in Washington, DC to Harold and Catherine Blackwell. Ronald was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served his country bravely in the Vietnam war. Ronald was a nurse for 26 years. Ronald loved God, his family, camping, going to baseball games, going to movies, puzzles, playing cards, and watching basketball. Ronald will be greatly missed and is survived by his beloved wife of 8 years, Dorina, wonderful children Cortney Decker (CJ) of Philo IL and Pat of Phoenix, AZ, one special grandson, Calan of Philo IL, sisters Catherine of IL, Annie of TN, Teresa of AZ, and brothers Pat of AZ, James of AZ and many dear friends. Dear uncle of Teresa, Stephen, James, Nathan, and Daniel, Austin, David, Michael, Kathleen and Madelaine. Special great nieces Christina of AZ and Abigail of South Carolina and great nephew Gage of IL. He was preceded in death by his brother Harold and parents Harold and Catherine. Memorial and visitation service will be held from 10am to 12pm Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary at 7924 N. 59th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85301. Ronald will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Cave Creek, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Disabled American Veteran (DAV) charity, www.dav.org/donate, ‎P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. The family of Ronald would like to thank Hospice of the Valley and all the nurses and doctors treating Ronald at the Phoenix VA hospital for their kind and compassionate care of Ronald and his family during his illness.