William Robert Blackwell

William Robert Blackwell (Bob) was born on April 27, 1924 in Lenexa, Ks to Herb and Frances Kaiser Blackwell, he was the oldest of 5 children.

He was in the graduating class of 1942 at St. John High School, (now known as Olathe North High School). He was a member of the Honor Society, and loved singing and studying.

He entered the Army and was a Second Lieutenant Army Air Corp pilot instructor. After World War II, he attended Finley Engineering College in Kansas City, Mo, and graduated with honors and a BS in Civil engineering. He helped design and build the Kansas turnpike, among other jobs in the area. He later left that field and purchased and ran the Olathe Bowl for many years.

He married Bonnie Temple Sept. 18, 1943 in Corsicana, Texas. After retiring He and Bonnie lived in Sierra Vista, Az for about 30 years. They were married for 72 years. He often said that Bonnie was the "love of his life".

He was preceded in death by his brothers Donald and Jim Blackwell. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, daughter Nancy Blackwell Baysinger, son Larry Blackwell, sister Donna Kill, Paola, KS, David Blackwell Olathe, KS, two grandchildren, Geoffrey and Jennifer Baysinger, and two great-grandchildren.

Bob passed away on June 25. He was currently residing in Norman, Ok at the VA Home, where he received very good care. He suffered from Alzheimer's. He passed quietly in his sleep at the VA Home.

The family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.