David D. Blackwell, age 64, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday evening, August 23, 2026.

      He was born April 26, 1962, in Flora, the son of Thornton R. Blackwell Jr. and Eletha Moine (Deain) Blackwell.  He was united in marriage to Vicki L. Carrell on June 16, 1984, and together they have shared 42 wedding anniversaries and a lifetime of memories together as a family

      David had worked for GSI and NAL in Flora.  He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family and in the work he did throughout the years.  Away from work, David enjoyed the simple things in life.  He liked spending time fishing whenever he had the chance and also enjoyed raising chickens, which kept him busy tending to them.  His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and the time he spent with them meant a great deal to him.

      He is survived by his wife: Vicki Blackwell of Flora; 2 children: Jeramia (Emily) Blackwell of Flora and Brandi (Gene) Wolfe of Flora; 2 granddaughters: Chloe and Kylie Blackwell; 2 grandsons: Ayden and Greyson Wolfe; and a number of nieces and nephews.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; maternal grandparents: Bessie and Charles “Mom & Dad” Deain; 2 brothers: Larry “Joe” Blackwell and Don (Sandy) Blackwell; a sister: Charlotte Blackwell Wilkins; and his mother-in-law: Joyce DeHaven.

      A funeral ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Trey Lewis officiating.  Interment will follow in Kneff Cemetery, Flora.  A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested for a fund that will benefit David’s grandchildren, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com