William "Bill" Blackwell

Bill Blackwell

Our beloved Papa was reunited with our beautiful Grammy just in time to celebrate their 69th anniversary. William L Blackwell, 92, was born March 12, 1926 to William and Ada Matilda Taylor Blackwell in Marysvale, Utah and passed away June 28, 2018, in West Jordan, Utah. He is survived by his children: William Kay (Shelley) of Washington, Susan (Ron) Burr of Marysvale, David (Natalie) of Ferron, Becky (Jerry) Lopshire of Salina, Jonathan (Rhonda) of Moapa, Nevada, 24 grandchildren, and 52 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Florence, their infant daughter Jennifer, his five siblings and their spouses, as well as grandson, Christopher Burr, and all his childhood buddies.

Bill was born and raised in Marysvale and graduated from Marysvale High School, where he was active in sports. Upon graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps. where he was in training for the invasion of Japan when World War II ended. Upon his release from the military, Bill was called to serve an LDS mission to the British Isles. His mission service set the tone for the rest of his life of service to the Lord and love for his fellow man.

Upon returning from England, he stopped off in Washington D.C. to solidify a relationship with the love of his life, Florence Elaine Johnson. They were married shortly thereafter on June 30, 1949, in the Manti LDS Temple. They started life together in Provo while going to school at Brigham Young University. Upon graduation, Bill became a teacher and taught in Marysvale and the Salt Lake area. He then began a career in the insurance industry, which eventually afforded him the opportunity to return to his beloved hometown.

Bill was a dedicated latter-day saint and served in various positions in the LDS Church including bishop of the Marysvale Ward on two occasions, and bishop of the Taylorsville 6th Ward. He served for many years as the Gospel Doctrine teacher. He was a dedicated lifetime scouter, serving many times as scoutmaster and inspired many young men to become Eagle Scouts. He was honored with the Silver Beaver Award. Late in life, as a capstone to his life of service, he served as an ordinance worker in the St. George Temple. He loved the days of his temple service.

In addition to his church service, he also served his community by volunteering for many local projects, town council, mayor pro tem, as well as many years on the Piute Board of Education. He loved those he served and they knew it. He was a talented public speaker and had a special way of touching people’s lives; because of this, he was asked to speak at hundreds of funerals during his lifetime.

Bill and Florence were the ultimate example of love and devotion to each other and all the members of their family. Each grandchild and great grandchild knew they were loved unconditionally. When Florence passed away last November, he asked for her every day. We take solace in our faith that they are together again!

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 1:00pm at in the Marysvale LDS Chapel located at 432 W Bullion Ave Marysvale, Utah  84750.  The viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be immediately following the funeral, at the Marysvale Cemetery.