Obituary of Leonard J. Blackwell

Bedford Leonard J. Blackwell, 87, of Bedford, died at 11:50 am on Monday, September 30, 2013 at I.U. Health Bloomington Hospital surrounded by wife, family and pastor. Born October 14, 1925 in Monroe Co., he was the son of Burl G. and Inez (Anderson) Blackwell. He married Elizabeth M. Norris on August 4, 1946 and she survives. He was a proud veteran of WW II serving with the U.S. Marine Corps. Joining the Marine Corps in Dec of 1943 he was a member of the South Pacific Fleet stationed in Oahu Hawaii overlooking Pearl Harbor. After his military service, he was a journeyman machinist and later a foreman at Bedford Foundry & Machine Co. He was a superintendent of maintenance at Indiana Limestone Co. and also worked at Indiana Steel & Engineering. He retired as a supervisor of maintenance for General Motors. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Bedford Masonic Lodge #14 F & AM and Gillen Post #33 American Legion. He was an exceptional craftsman who enjoyed flying and building airplanes and wooden models. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth, of Bedford; a son, Gary Blackwell and wife, Carol of Bedford; a grandson, Brent Blackwell and wife, Natalee of Greenwood; three great grandchildren, Caiden Hill, Aubree Hill and Elisabette Blackwell; a brother, Robert Blackwell and wife, Jerri of Columbus, IN; one niece and two nephews and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 3rd in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Rev. Mark Calvert-Rosenberger officiating. Burial will follow in Beech Grove Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded at the graveside by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion and D.A.V. Chapter 2. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 2nd at the Day & Carter Mortuary where a masonic service will be conducted at 7:00 pm and on Thursday, October 3rd from 10:00 am until the hour of the service.