Ronald Blackwell

Ronald "Ronnie" Blackwell, 78, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2020.   He was born May 14, 1942 at Sharon Springs, Kansas the son of William and Alberta Blackwell.   Ronald was raised at Sharon Springs and then moved to Wakarusa.  They lived there before moving to the Larkinburg Community east of Holton.   The family then moved to Topeka where he had lived ever since.   Ronald was a foreman for many years for Zack Taylor Contractors.   He was a handyman or jack-of-all trades.   He loved to help his family, friends or neighbors fixing things or mowing their yards.   Ronald loved to hunt and fish and he would often go to the cabin down at Bull Shoals.   He enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables that he shared with family and friends.   Ronald also liked to watch westerns, classic shows like the Waltons or Gunsmoke.   Music was important to him as well, not just country.   He got to meet Johnny Cash one time, which was a big thrill.

Survivors include his wife, Mary “Cathy” Blackwell of Topeka; children, Ronnie Blackwell, Brandi Leggitt and husband Steve, Rhonna Blackwell, Patricia Meeks, Vickie Blackwell and Michael Myer; siblings, Glenda Hase and husband Kenny of Rossville, Darlene Gartner and husband John of Topeka, Connie Burke of Holton and Rick Blackwell of Springfield, Missouri; 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren also survive.  Ronnie was preceded in death by a son, Lance Blackwell who passed in 1990.

He was preceded in death by six siblings, Billy, Bobby, Terry, Danny, Lacinda and Glea.

Services will be held in the spring of 2021 at Larkinburg Cemetery.