Eddie Frank Blackwell

Eddie Blackwell died peacefully Wednesday in his home of nearly 50 years, leaving behind a throng of friends and family who will carry on his legacy of love and laughter. He was 75. Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 23, at 2 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Rev. Don Greenway officiating. Visitation is set for 6-8 p.m. Saturday, also at The Hamil Family Funeral Home. Eddie - husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather - was an Air Force Korean War veteran whose survivors include his wife of 51 years, Joan; his mother, Ina Parsons, of Abilene; son, Mike (and wife Angie), of Kyle; daughter Debra (and husband Craig), of Abilene; and brothers Jimmy Blackwell (and wife Pat) of Albuquerque, N.M., and Joe Parsons (and wife Carla) of Abilene. His family also includes eight grandkids and three great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil King 'Rip' Blackwell, and a brother, Larry Blackwell. Eddie was born in Hamlin, Texas, in 1937 to 'Rip' and Ina. He and Joan were married in Hamlin on April 29, 1961. He worked as a salesman for Treanor Equipment Company in Abilene for several years, then finished his professional career working for the City of Abilene. Eddie went to high school in Borger, Texas, where he played football for the Bulldogs and told stories of listening to Elvis, cutting his hair into the shape of a B and playing in the Panhandle with icicles hanging from his one-bar facemask. Eddie was someone who made an impression on others, who loved unconditionally, and who cared about all people he came in contact with. He greeted people eagerly, with a strong and warm handshake and a hug. If you ever did one single thing for him, no matter how small, he never forgot it and was effusive with his appreciation. If you visited his home, you would not - could not - leave without him telling you how much he appreciated your visit. He loved. Eddie was giving and generous with his love, and his sense of humor was quick but always good-natured, and was always followed with a laugh or smile. He could be dry and sarcastic, and if he ever needed to cry, he just did - good, bad or otherwise. He loved to sit in his lawn chair and watch ballgames, he loved watching Westerns and he loved the Dallas Cowboys, though he certainly was willing to critique their performance with great accuracy. He was also an excellent baseball and softball coach, spending many years piling kids in the back of his old red pickup and heading off to practice or games. We are all thankful for his many gifts, and he will never be forgotten. Memorials may be given to North Side Baptist Church, 2474 Westwood Drive, Abilene, TX 79603.