Robert Howard Blackwell

Robert was a dedicated firefighter and proudly served his community for 36 years. He retired in 2016 as Captain at Kirkwood Fire Protection District where he worked from 1980 – 2016. He also served as Chief of the St. Clair County Emergency Response Team and volunteered at Smithton, Villa Hills, and East Side Fire departments. Robert enjoyed being outdoors, including yard work and fishing; he was also a deacon at his local Baptist church for several years. Robert was the ultimate “girl dad” and an amazing grandpa; he was admirable, goofy and very loving. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert O. and Beverly Blackwell, and his in-law’s Bill and Betty Crawford.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Dee (nee Crawford) Blackwell, his daughters Megan Wuller and Kelsey Blackwell (and fiancée Joshua Pierce); granddaughters Riley Wuller and Sarah Wuller; brother Brian Blackwell, sister-in-law Lisha (Brian) Dees, nephews Justin Dees and Jared (Emily) Dees; plus countless family, friends and brothers in the fire department.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Backstoppers or Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation.

Visiting hours will take place at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville, IL on Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 1 – 3 pm.