The Tiller and Toiler (Larned, Kansas)

SGT. BOB BLACKWELL IS PRISONER OF WAR

Larned Soldier Had Been Missing Since Battle of Belgian Bulge.

Sgt. Robert Blackwell has been a prisoner of the Germans since Dec. 16, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Blackwell, were informed Tuesday in a telegram from the war department. The 22-year-old Larned infantryman was reported missing in action in a message received by his parents, Jan 17.

A machine gunner of the 422nd infantry regiment of the 106th "Golden Lion" division, Blackwell was taken prisoner on the first day of the Battle of the Belgian Burge when his regiment was overwhelmed by the German surprise counter-offensive. He was one of three Pawnee County men in the 442nd regiment who were reported missing since that day. Others are Pvt. Walter Losey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Losey, son of Mrs. and Mrs. Glen Losey of Garfield, and Cpl. Lawrence Chesterman, son of Mr. and Mrs. F.O. Chesterman of the Zook neighborhood. Pvt. Losey's wife is the former Helen Andrews of Larned.

In a recent letter to Losey's parents, Pfc. Alfred Nordahl of Garfield, who is with the Second Armored Division, stated he was confident the missing soldiers of the 106th Division were prisoners of war. The Second Armored Division was one of those that relieved the battered 106th and advanced over the battleground after the German offensive was stopped.

Neither the Losey's nor the Chesterman's had received information about their sons Tuesday.

A letter from the provost marshal will follow the telegram from the war department, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell were informed. Information about war prisoners is replayed to the War Department by the American Red Cross.

Obituary- Arizona Republic September 23, 1010, p. 18

Robert L. Blackwell passed away September 17, 2010 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. Robert was born on October 4, 1922 to John and Jesse Blackwell in Larned, KS. At the age of 8, Robert met the love of his life, Beverly. They spent the remaining 79 years together, including 63 years of marriage. They had two children Deborah (Fred) and Scott (Gail) and five grandchildren, Laruen, Jim (Renee), Kristin, Robbie and Sarah.

Robert served in World War II, earning a Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his bravery and the courage he displayed while spending four months as a prisoner of war in Germany. Upon returning from the war, he received his degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. He then became employed by W.J. Small Inc., where he loyally remained for 64 years Robert had a great love for golf travel music dancing and spending time with his dear friends at the Arizona Country Club. Above all else, Robert loved his family. His smile, jokes and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 25th at 9:30 AM at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. A memorial Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Saturday, October 9th at 5:00 PM at Arizona Country Club, 5668 E. Orange Blossom Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85018. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donation be made in Bob's honor or the National Parkinson Research Foundation, www.ParkinsonResearchFoundation.com