John Melvin Blackwell
June 17, 1934 - March 27, 2022
John Melvin Blackwell, 87, of Hamshire, died Sunday, March 27, 2022.
A gathering of Mr. Blackwell's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church of Hamshire Food Bank, P.O. Box 369, Hamshire, Texas 77622 or The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.∼Our beloved John Melvin Blackwell, born June 17, 1934, aged 87, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2022.
A long-time resident of Beaumont, Texas, he was the son of Melvin and Melwood Blackwell, who preceded him in death, as did his sister, Judy Blackwell.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda Gail Blackwell; his daughters, Kate Blackwell Butchofsky and Alice Blackwell Hamilton; sons, David Blackwell, Jerry Blackwell and Ricky Blackwell; sons-in-law, Bob Butchofsky and Ken Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Kristi Blackwell; and his cherished grandchildren, Kathryn and Bobby Butchofsky, Luke and Keely Hamilton, and Taylor Blackwell. He is also survived by his brothers, Randy and Happy Blackwell and their families and other extended family members and many dear friends.
John was known by many people across the Beaumont area and state of Texas. To his family, he was Dad, Daddy, Johnny and Papa John. To most of his friends, he was Big John or Captain Snapper. Once, George Jones referred to him as a Tall Drink of Water, during a concert.
John was born and grew up in Beaumont, Texas, the oldest of 3 brothers and a baby sister. John and his siblings were raised by his parents to grow up very quickly and he took to task to heart, as the oldest in helping raise the family, this is where he learned to cook. However, all 3 boys were good looking and strong as well as excellent athletes, with their sister being a very talented musician. His mother kept a strict eye on her sons and was their fiercest advocate, but those boys were tough and if they weren't fighting each other, you would be wise not to get on their bad side. At one point he threw newspapers while his pet myna bird rode on his handlebars and whistled at the girls.
John graduated from Beaumont High School. During that time, he excelled in track while winning state championships in pole vaulting and setting two state high school records in track. He also excelled in many other sports including being asked to catch batting practice for the Beaumont Exporters professional baseball team. He lettered in track and field many years and ended up being awarded a full scholarship in Track and Field to the University of Texas. At the university, the coach asked him if he wanted him to go out for football. Unfortunately, during practice he broke his back. At that time, he was in training for the 1956 Olympics and his track relay team went on to participate in the Olympics.
In 1958, John married Mary "Sug" Seewald, a Beaumont girl, and in 1961 daughter, Kate followed by 4 others, Alice, David, Jerry, and Ricky were born. They had 5 kids in 7 years and life was busy, to say the least. Over many years they enjoyed family beach trips, fishing, hunting, shrimping adventures, and ski trips to Colorado. It was very important to him that his family stay close creating many wonderful memories. He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren.
In 1958, while in Beaumont, John worked at Southland Life Insurance Agency then started Kolter and Blackwell Insurance Agency then Reynolds and Blackwell Insurance Agency.
In 1963, he began his real estate business, where he was one of the first homebuilders to begin building energy efficient homes, buying and selling land, apartments, office buildings and houses, in not just Beaumont but around the state of Texas. He brought the Beaumont Hilton and the Plaza National Bank to Beaumont. The Beaumont Enterprise named him Outstanding Businessman of the Year.
While real estate started to turn in the 1980's John began Beaumont Warehouse and Trucking, then JMB Trucking and Warehousing with his son, Ricky joining him.
John and Linda Gail Harris married in 1993 and have shared a loving life, filled with numerous dogs, family and beach time, boats and fishing adventures.
One of his most proud achievements was starting Gulf Coast Conservation Association, which was later named Coast Conservation Association with chapters around the United States. He held a National Board seat and lifetime membership and was awarded Gulf Coast Conservations Association Man of the Year and Sportsman Man of the Year, an honor he proudly accepted.
One of the keys to John's longevity was that he lived everyday with an attitude of when the going gets tough the tough get going. He lived by the Golden Rule and was a kind and generous person to many. It was easy for him to go out of his way for a friend, but John routinely helped acquaintances or strangers or anyone down on their luck. He has passed down much of his philosophy to those he loved – whether related to athletics, academics, or career. The family can't begin to express how much we will miss John. But we also know he led a wonderful life, and we celebrate his life and will continue his legacy in all that we do. We pray, as John enters The Kingdom and after he greets old friends, family, that he will have time for more hunting and fishing trips.
John has enjoyed good health for most of his life. However, recently he required healthcare support. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to John's caregivers of Best Hospice Long Term Care. We are most grateful for the love and support of his dear friends whom he considered family, as well as members of his church family at First Baptist Church in Hamshire.
A gathering of Mr. Blackwell's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
May the Peace, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and may the blessing of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you, and remain with you, always.
June 17, 1934 - March 27, 2022
John Melvin Blackwell, 87, of Hamshire, died Sunday, March 27, 2022.
A gathering of Mr. Blackwell's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church of Hamshire Food Bank, P.O. Box 369, Hamshire, Texas 77622 or The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.∼Our beloved John Melvin Blackwell, born June 17, 1934, aged 87, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2022.
A long-time resident of Beaumont, Texas, he was the son of Melvin and Melwood Blackwell, who preceded him in death, as did his sister, Judy Blackwell.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda Gail Blackwell; his daughters, Kate Blackwell Butchofsky and Alice Blackwell Hamilton; sons, David Blackwell, Jerry Blackwell and Ricky Blackwell; sons-in-law, Bob Butchofsky and Ken Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Kristi Blackwell; and his cherished grandchildren, Kathryn and Bobby Butchofsky, Luke and Keely Hamilton, and Taylor Blackwell. He is also survived by his brothers, Randy and Happy Blackwell and their families and other extended family members and many dear friends.
John was known by many people across the Beaumont area and state of Texas. To his family, he was Dad, Daddy, Johnny and Papa John. To most of his friends, he was Big John or Captain Snapper. Once, George Jones referred to him as a Tall Drink of Water, during a concert.
John was born and grew up in Beaumont, Texas, the oldest of 3 brothers and a baby sister. John and his siblings were raised by his parents to grow up very quickly and he took to task to heart, as the oldest in helping raise the family, this is where he learned to cook. However, all 3 boys were good looking and strong as well as excellent athletes, with their sister being a very talented musician. His mother kept a strict eye on her sons and was their fiercest advocate, but those boys were tough and if they weren't fighting each other, you would be wise not to get on their bad side. At one point he threw newspapers while his pet myna bird rode on his handlebars and whistled at the girls.
John graduated from Beaumont High School. During that time, he excelled in track while winning state championships in pole vaulting and setting two state high school records in track. He also excelled in many other sports including being asked to catch batting practice for the Beaumont Exporters professional baseball team. He lettered in track and field many years and ended up being awarded a full scholarship in Track and Field to the University of Texas. At the university, the coach asked him if he wanted him to go out for football. Unfortunately, during practice he broke his back. At that time, he was in training for the 1956 Olympics and his track relay team went on to participate in the Olympics.
In 1958, John married Mary "Sug" Seewald, a Beaumont girl, and in 1961 daughter, Kate followed by 4 others, Alice, David, Jerry, and Ricky were born. They had 5 kids in 7 years and life was busy, to say the least. Over many years they enjoyed family beach trips, fishing, hunting, shrimping adventures, and ski trips to Colorado. It was very important to him that his family stay close creating many wonderful memories. He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren.
In 1958, while in Beaumont, John worked at Southland Life Insurance Agency then started Kolter and Blackwell Insurance Agency then Reynolds and Blackwell Insurance Agency.
In 1963, he began his real estate business, where he was one of the first homebuilders to begin building energy efficient homes, buying and selling land, apartments, office buildings and houses, in not just Beaumont but around the state of Texas. He brought the Beaumont Hilton and the Plaza National Bank to Beaumont. The Beaumont Enterprise named him Outstanding Businessman of the Year.
While real estate started to turn in the 1980's John began Beaumont Warehouse and Trucking, then JMB Trucking and Warehousing with his son, Ricky joining him.
John and Linda Gail Harris married in 1993 and have shared a loving life, filled with numerous dogs, family and beach time, boats and fishing adventures.
One of his most proud achievements was starting Gulf Coast Conservation Association, which was later named Coast Conservation Association with chapters around the United States. He held a National Board seat and lifetime membership and was awarded Gulf Coast Conservations Association Man of the Year and Sportsman Man of the Year, an honor he proudly accepted.
One of the keys to John's longevity was that he lived everyday with an attitude of when the going gets tough the tough get going. He lived by the Golden Rule and was a kind and generous person to many. It was easy for him to go out of his way for a friend, but John routinely helped acquaintances or strangers or anyone down on their luck. He has passed down much of his philosophy to those he loved – whether related to athletics, academics, or career. The family can't begin to express how much we will miss John. But we also know he led a wonderful life, and we celebrate his life and will continue his legacy in all that we do. We pray, as John enters The Kingdom and after he greets old friends, family, that he will have time for more hunting and fishing trips.
John has enjoyed good health for most of his life. However, recently he required healthcare support. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to John's caregivers of Best Hospice Long Term Care. We are most grateful for the love and support of his dear friends whom he considered family, as well as members of his church family at First Baptist Church in Hamshire.
A gathering of Mr. Blackwell's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
May the Peace, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and may the blessing of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you, and remain with you, always.
John Melvin Blackwell
June 17, 1934 - March 27, 2022
John Melvin Blackwell, 87, of Hamshire, died Sunday, March 27, 2022.
A gathering of Mr. Blackwell's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church of Hamshire Food Bank, P.O. Box 369, Hamshire, Texas 77622 or The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.∼Our beloved John Melvin Blackwell, born June 17, 1934, aged 87, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2022.
A long-time resident of Beaumont, Texas, he was the son of Melvin and Melwood Blackwell, who preceded him in death, as did his sister, Judy Blackwell.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda Gail Blackwell; his daughters, Kate Blackwell Butchofsky and Alice Blackwell Hamilton; sons, David Blackwell, Jerry Blackwell and Ricky Blackwell; sons-in-law, Bob Butchofsky and Ken Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Kristi Blackwell; and his cherished grandchildren, Kathryn and Bobby Butchofsky, Luke and Keely Hamilton, and Taylor Blackwell. He is also survived by his brothers, Randy and Happy Blackwell and their families and other extended family members and many dear friends.
John was known by many people across the Beaumont area and state of Texas. To his family, he was Dad, Daddy, Johnny and Papa John. To most of his friends, he was Big John or Captain Snapper. Once, George Jones referred to him as a Tall Drink of Water, during a concert.
John was born and grew up in Beaumont, Texas, the oldest of 3 brothers and a baby sister. John and his siblings were raised by his parents to grow up very quickly and he took to task to heart, as the oldest in helping raise the family, this is where he learned to cook. However, all 3 boys were good looking and strong as well as excellent athletes, with their sister being a very talented musician. His mother kept a strict eye on her sons and was their fiercest advocate, but those boys were tough and if they weren't fighting each other, you would be wise not to get on their bad side. At one point he threw newspapers while his pet myna bird rode on his handlebars and whistled at the girls.
John graduated from Beaumont High School. During that time, he excelled in track while winning state championships in pole vaulting and setting two state high school records in track. He also excelled in many other sports including being asked to catch batting practice for the Beaumont Exporters professional baseball team. He lettered in track and field many years and ended up being awarded a full scholarship in Track and Field to the University of Texas. At the university, the coach asked him if he wanted him to go out for football. Unfortunately, during practice he broke his back. At that time, he was in training for the 1956 Olympics and his track relay team went on to participate in the Olympics.
In 1958, John married Mary "Sug" Seewald, a Beaumont girl, and in 1961 daughter, Kate followed by 4 others, Alice, David, Jerry, and Ricky were born. They had 5 kids in 7 years and life was busy, to say the least. Over many years they enjoyed family beach trips, fishing, hunting, shrimping adventures, and ski trips to Colorado. It was very important to him that his family stay close creating many wonderful memories. He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren.
In 1958, while in Beaumont, John worked at Southland Life Insurance Agency then started Kolter and Blackwell Insurance Agency then Reynolds and Blackwell Insurance Agency.
In 1963, he began his real estate business, where he was one of the first homebuilders to begin building energy efficient homes, buying and selling land, apartments, office buildings and houses, in not just Beaumont but around the state of Texas. He brought the Beaumont Hilton and the Plaza National Bank to Beaumont. The Beaumont Enterprise named him Outstanding Businessman of the Year.
While real estate started to turn in the 1980's John began Beaumont Warehouse and Trucking, then JMB Trucking and Warehousing with his son, Ricky joining him.
John and Linda Gail Harris married in 1993 and have shared a loving life, filled with numerous dogs, family and beach time, boats and fishing adventures.
One of his most proud achievements was starting Gulf Coast Conservation Association, which was later named Coast Conservation Association with chapters around the United States. He held a National Board seat and lifetime membership and was awarded Gulf Coast Conservations Association Man of the Year and Sportsman Man of the Year, an honor he proudly accepted.
One of the keys to John's longevity was that he lived everyday with an attitude of when the going gets tough the tough get going. He lived by the Golden Rule and was a kind and generous person to many. It was easy for him to go out of his way for a friend, but John routinely helped acquaintances or strangers or anyone down on their luck. He has passed down much of his philosophy to those he loved – whether related to athletics, academics, or career. The family can't begin to express how much we will miss John. But we also know he led a wonderful life, and we celebrate his life and will continue his legacy in all that we do. We pray, as John enters The Kingdom and after he greets old friends, family, that he will have time for more hunting and fishing trips.
John has enjoyed good health for most of his life. However, recently he required healthcare support. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to John's caregivers of Best Hospice Long Term Care. We are most grateful for the love and support of his dear friends whom he considered family, as well as members of his church family at First Baptist Church in Hamshire.
A gathering of Mr. Blackwell's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
May the Peace, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and may the blessing of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you, and remain with you, always.
June 17, 1934 - March 27, 2022
John Melvin Blackwell, 87, of Hamshire, died Sunday, March 27, 2022.
A gathering of Mr. Blackwell's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church of Hamshire Food Bank, P.O. Box 369, Hamshire, Texas 77622 or The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.∼Our beloved John Melvin Blackwell, born June 17, 1934, aged 87, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2022.
A long-time resident of Beaumont, Texas, he was the son of Melvin and Melwood Blackwell, who preceded him in death, as did his sister, Judy Blackwell.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda Gail Blackwell; his daughters, Kate Blackwell Butchofsky and Alice Blackwell Hamilton; sons, David Blackwell, Jerry Blackwell and Ricky Blackwell; sons-in-law, Bob Butchofsky and Ken Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Kristi Blackwell; and his cherished grandchildren, Kathryn and Bobby Butchofsky, Luke and Keely Hamilton, and Taylor Blackwell. He is also survived by his brothers, Randy and Happy Blackwell and their families and other extended family members and many dear friends.
John was known by many people across the Beaumont area and state of Texas. To his family, he was Dad, Daddy, Johnny and Papa John. To most of his friends, he was Big John or Captain Snapper. Once, George Jones referred to him as a Tall Drink of Water, during a concert.
John was born and grew up in Beaumont, Texas, the oldest of 3 brothers and a baby sister. John and his siblings were raised by his parents to grow up very quickly and he took to task to heart, as the oldest in helping raise the family, this is where he learned to cook. However, all 3 boys were good looking and strong as well as excellent athletes, with their sister being a very talented musician. His mother kept a strict eye on her sons and was their fiercest advocate, but those boys were tough and if they weren't fighting each other, you would be wise not to get on their bad side. At one point he threw newspapers while his pet myna bird rode on his handlebars and whistled at the girls.
John graduated from Beaumont High School. During that time, he excelled in track while winning state championships in pole vaulting and setting two state high school records in track. He also excelled in many other sports including being asked to catch batting practice for the Beaumont Exporters professional baseball team. He lettered in track and field many years and ended up being awarded a full scholarship in Track and Field to the University of Texas. At the university, the coach asked him if he wanted him to go out for football. Unfortunately, during practice he broke his back. At that time, he was in training for the 1956 Olympics and his track relay team went on to participate in the Olympics.
In 1958, John married Mary "Sug" Seewald, a Beaumont girl, and in 1961 daughter, Kate followed by 4 others, Alice, David, Jerry, and Ricky were born. They had 5 kids in 7 years and life was busy, to say the least. Over many years they enjoyed family beach trips, fishing, hunting, shrimping adventures, and ski trips to Colorado. It was very important to him that his family stay close creating many wonderful memories. He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren.
In 1958, while in Beaumont, John worked at Southland Life Insurance Agency then started Kolter and Blackwell Insurance Agency then Reynolds and Blackwell Insurance Agency.
In 1963, he began his real estate business, where he was one of the first homebuilders to begin building energy efficient homes, buying and selling land, apartments, office buildings and houses, in not just Beaumont but around the state of Texas. He brought the Beaumont Hilton and the Plaza National Bank to Beaumont. The Beaumont Enterprise named him Outstanding Businessman of the Year.
While real estate started to turn in the 1980's John began Beaumont Warehouse and Trucking, then JMB Trucking and Warehousing with his son, Ricky joining him.
John and Linda Gail Harris married in 1993 and have shared a loving life, filled with numerous dogs, family and beach time, boats and fishing adventures.
One of his most proud achievements was starting Gulf Coast Conservation Association, which was later named Coast Conservation Association with chapters around the United States. He held a National Board seat and lifetime membership and was awarded Gulf Coast Conservations Association Man of the Year and Sportsman Man of the Year, an honor he proudly accepted.
One of the keys to John's longevity was that he lived everyday with an attitude of when the going gets tough the tough get going. He lived by the Golden Rule and was a kind and generous person to many. It was easy for him to go out of his way for a friend, but John routinely helped acquaintances or strangers or anyone down on their luck. He has passed down much of his philosophy to those he loved – whether related to athletics, academics, or career. The family can't begin to express how much we will miss John. But we also know he led a wonderful life, and we celebrate his life and will continue his legacy in all that we do. We pray, as John enters The Kingdom and after he greets old friends, family, that he will have time for more hunting and fishing trips.
John has enjoyed good health for most of his life. However, recently he required healthcare support. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to John's caregivers of Best Hospice Long Term Care. We are most grateful for the love and support of his dear friends whom he considered family, as well as members of his church family at First Baptist Church in Hamshire.
A gathering of Mr. Blackwell's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
May the Peace, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and may the blessing of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you, and remain with you, always.
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