Charles W. Blackwell

Charles was born November 26, 1930 in Huntsville, Missouri to Grace Anna Locke Blackwell and Wilfred Eugene Blackwell. His aunt, Opal Williamson (husband, Warren), contributed to a loving upbringing and he benefited from the presence of his step-father, George Webdell. He was a man of intellect, love, and humor. He was loyal, honorable and tendehearted, steadfast, gentle and even-tempered. He was the rock of our family and he is missed deeply.

Charles married his beloved wife, Glenda Reagor Blackwell, on June 5, 1954; she survives him. He is also survived by daughter Linda Blackwell (son-in-law David Goldman), daughter Karen Blackwell Mahoney (son-in-law Don Mahoney), and son Charles D. Blackwell (daughter-in-law Mary Blackwell), grandchildren Brian Goldman (Stacey), Joe Goldman (Katie), Lauren Goldman (Kyle), Sam Blackwell Mahoney, Liz Mahoney Fulton (David), Sarah Mahoney, Geoff Blackwell (Pam), Ben Blackwell, Joanne Blackwell, and great-grandson Matthew Fulton.

Charles is further survived by his sister, Jean Brown, of Pleasanton, CA and her daughters, Patricia and Lisa.

Charles graduated from LaPlata High School and Northeast Missouri State University where he was a member of Blue Key honorary and service fraternity and Sigma Tau Gamma social fraternity. He received a B.S. in Medicine from the University of Missouri, and obtained his M.D. at McGill University, Montreal. Following his medical internship at Menorah Medical Center in Kansas City, MO, he partnered in a general medical practice at Platte Medical Clinic for six years. Charles completed a residency in radiology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. He returned to Columbia, MO in 1966 for a 33 year practice in radiology, including service as the Chief of the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at Ellis Fischel Cancer Hospital.

Charles was a Senior Scientist in Radiology for the Cancer Research Center where he was the mammographer for the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project from 1974-1980. This was followed by appointment as the Director of the Women's Cancer Control Program at the Cancer Research Center. He was on staff for hospitals in Mexico, Fulton, Fayette, Moberly, and Marceline. Throughout the years he provided radiology services for the MU Student Health Service. He was appointed Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Sciences Center. Charles was instrumental in training generations of radiology residents who benefited from his depth of knowledge and experience. He was a member of several radiological societies and published articles and chapters that contributed to the science of mammography.

Charlie’s first passions were clarinet and jazz; his talents afforded him his undergraduate education. He enjoyed trout fishing and photography. Charlie was an avid golfer and a charter member of the Country Club of Missouri where he was a member of the Wild Bunch. He was the proud owner of five holes in one (three certified!). His loyalties extended to the MU Tigers, the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues.

Our family is forever grateful to Marla Merritt and Helen Noonan, caregivers and friends to the end. We are grateful to the staff and caregivers of Home Instead, Right at Home, Boone Hospital Hospice, and Anne Reeves and Elder Care Resources. Memorial donations suggested to the Mammography Fund at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, DC066.00, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with a visitation from 1:00 pm until service time.