The family requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in
Walter David Blackwell’s name to the
Organ Transplant Center Fund, in care of The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital; 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West,
Suite 140; St. Louis, MO, 63110; or online at
foundationbarnesjewish.orgWalter David Blackwell of O’Fallon, MO passed away Thursday, September 24 at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
David was the son of the late Walter Julian “Bud” Blackwell and Marilyn “Dumps” Jorgensen Blackwell. He was born July 10, 1949 in Springfield, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dane Blackwell.
David spent his childhood in St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri, and was an avid Cardinals baseball fan and enjoyed travelling. David attained a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University in Psychology, a Master’s degree from University of Central Missouri in Criminal Justice. He also attended the John F Kennedy School of Business at Harvard. David was the youngest Director of Corrections for the State of Missouri and retired as the Sheriff of St. Louis County. He was a member of the Missouri Sheriff’s Association. He was very proud of his efforts in rehabilitating and reforming inmates.
He is survived by his sister; Diane Blackwell; his ex-wife, Jackie Blackwell; children, Christina Hunter (Roberts), Kansas City, MO and Walter Benjamin Blackwell (Nancy), Newport News, VA; grandchildren, Amanda Stewart, Charles Hunter (Stephanie), Madeline Hunter, Amy Messersmith (Nick), and Emma Blackwell; five great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and extended family.
Family members will have a private gathering at a later time. David loved conversation and sharing stories. The family welcomes your stories to remember David. You can send your stories to
walter.blackwell.memorial@gmail.com.
The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital ICU for the past week and the Barnes Liver Transplant team over the past 20 years.