In Memory of David Lewis Blackwelder

David Lewis Blackwelder

July 19, 1936 - January 13, 2010

Pastor David Lewis Blackwelder died on Wednesday Jan. 13, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford, DE, in the circle of love of his family: devoted wife Theda Draper Blackwelder, and children: Donna Vricella, Shelley Ann Jones, Tavie Lynne Flanagan and Michael Blackwelder. He is also survived by a brother, Theodore Blackwelder, sons-in-law, Stephen Vricella,and Robert Flanagan; daughters-in-law, Deb Tyler and Mimi Blackwelder; grandchildren: Nicholas Vricella, Stephanie Vricella, ,Brooke Blackwelder, Benjamin and Katheryn Flanagan, and numerous extended family.

Born July 19, 1936 to Geneva and Dr. Oscar F. Blackwelder in Washington, D.C. David earned degrees: B.A.,MDiv.,ThM, and a PhD in Pastoral Counseling. He was an Ordained Lutheran Pastor since 1961, and a 40 year Pastoral member of the DE/MD Synod. Lutheran parishes served were: St. Paul's and Bethel in Walkersville, MD; St. Paul's, Newark, DE; Faith at Oxon Hill, MD; and St. Stephan's, Wilmington, DE ( named Pastor Emeritus at retirement).For 14 years, Pastor Blackwelder served Tressler Lutheran Services, DE as Pastoral Counselor, Clinical Supervisor and Program Director. He was a 35 year Member/ Fellow / Supervisor in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors; graduate Professor at Washington House of Studies, and Newman College, PA.He authored several text chapters and professional papers. For 25 years, David supervised Pastoral and counseling students. He received a Synod Lifetime Award, and is professionally listed in Marquis Who's Who.

The family will receive visitors from 7-9 PM on Friday Jan. 22, 2010 at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE.

A Thanksgiving and Memorial Service will be held at Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Avenue, Milford, DE on Sat. Jan. 23, 2010 at 1:00 PM. Family Internment will be held at Sherwood Memorial Gardens , Salem, VA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be appreciated for Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Ave., Milford, DE 19963 or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.