Blackwell was born in Frisco City, Monroe County, Alabama, May 11, 1909, the son of William R. Blackwell and Susan V. Whatley Blackwell of that city. He attended the schools of Frisco City and graduated from Frisco City High School and the Mobile Business College. He also attended San Diego State College, San Diego, California.
On December 2, 1938 he married Irma Lee Conway, Pensacola, Florida, and they have one son, Leslie Howard Blackwell, a junior partner in Blackwell Automotive Parts Company established by Howard E. Blackwell in 1958, in Satsuma, Alabama.
Brother Blackwell was a member of and active in the First Baptist Church of Satsuma. He has been a participant in civic, cultural and business affairs of the community, serving the Housing Authority of his City, the Industrial Board of his County and was a member of and President of Satsuma's Town Council (city governing body) for eight years.
He was elevated to the exalted office of Grand Master of Masons in Alabama on November 20, 1968.
He became a Charter Member of Satsuma Chapter 515, Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron from 1954 to 1957. Thus you will determine that Masonry in Southwest Alabama in particular and in the whole State in general, has felt the touch of Howard Blackwell for the past two decades.
Fraternal associates will avouch for the fact that Brother Blackwell is a dedicated Mason, always ready to give freely of himself and his time to promote Masonry, thereby rendering service to God, country and fellowman. He has a deep and abiding faith that this endeavor will help to make this great land a better place in which to live and inspire others to keep the laws of the Supreme Architect of the Universe and show forth His
praise in the world.
[Excerpts of this Bio Courtesy The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Alabama]