Lawrence (never Larry) Bennie Blackwell, age 80, of Eldon, was born July 29, 1942, at Vienna, a son of Clarence Orville and Myrtle Lee (Copeland) Blackwell, and passed from this life Saturday, July 30, 2022, at his residence.

He was married in 1962 to the former Miss Donna Jean Jackson who preceded him in death in 1971 and to this union three children were born.

During his working life Lawrence was employed as a mechanic at Central Motors, Jefferson City, and Ernie Jones, Eldon. He then went on to work at Modine Manufacturing Company until he retired after 21 years. Lawrence enjoyed driving, building, and working on anything with wheels. He also enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles and trikes and taking road trips, all with a cigar in hand.

Those left to mourn the passing of Lawrence include: his five children, Steven Lawrence Blackwell, Michael Ray Blackwell, James Bradley Blackwell and wife, Mary Lou (Ziegler), Karin Sue (Blackwell) Burton and husband, Ben, and Mark Alan Blackwell; his siblings, Betty (Blackwell) Jackson and Velma Blackwell; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife, Donna Blackwell; Lawrence was preceded in death by his grandson, Leif in 1999; his father, Clarence in 1988; his mother, Myrtle in 2011; his sister, Cathy in 2013; and his brother, Lonnie in 2021.

Visitation for Lawrence Bennie Blackwell will be held from 12 Noon until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 3, 2022, in Birmingham- Martin Funeral Chapel, 406 South Main Street, Vienna, MO 65582, with his funeral service following in the chapel at 2:00 p.m., under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.

Interment for Mr. Blackwell will be in the Kenner Cemetery, Dixon, with Ryan Blackwell, Brandon Blackwell, Bradley Blackwell, Bob Jackson, Paul Cotter, and Brian Shepherd serving as his pallbearers.

Memorial contributions in memory of Lawrence Bennie Blackwell are suggested by his family to either Lake Regional Hospice, attn: Fund Development Dept., Lake Regional Health System, 54 Hospital Drive, Osage Beach MO 65065 or Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, IL 60093. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home the day of the service or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

Online condolences may be shared at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com