William "Bill" Thomas Blackwell, 85, of Brownstown, Illinois, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur, MO.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL with Pastor Joe Lawson officiating. Burial will follow at Griffith Cemetery, RFD Brownstown, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the funeral home. Memorials: Ronald McDonald House and/or Spina Bifida of Greater St. Louis. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.

He was born June 14, 1939, in Mulberry Grove, IL, the son of Willard Louis & Arline Etta (Snow) Blackwell. He married Panzi Lee Cohoon on April 9, 1975, in Decatur, IL. He worked for the City of Vandalia Street Department for many years.

He is survived by: Wife - Panzi Blackwell, Brownstown, IL; Sons - Todd Blackwell & Nancy, Brownstown, IL and Jim Depew, Springfield, IL; Daughters - Lisa Coleman & Fred, Donnelson, IL and Jill Jenkins & Don, Homosassa, FL; 19 Grandchildren; 45 Great Grandchildren; Brother - Joe Blackwell, Salem, MO; Sisters - Ava Taylor, Morrisonville, IL and Jane Pipes & Earl, Versailles, MO.

Preceded in death by: Parents; Son - William L. "Billy" Blackwell; Daughter-in-law - Sarah Depew; Grandchild - Cora Blackwell.