Glenn Allen Blackwell's Obituary
CSM (Ret) Glenn A. Blackwell was called home on September 20, 2022, after a diagnosis of adenosquamous carcinoma lung cancer a few short months ago. Glenn was in the presence and love of his family in the days and weeks leading up to his passing. He will be forever loved and remembered as a great leader, loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Glenn was born on November 14, 1951, in Staunton, Virginia. He was positively influenced as a child and teenager by the Covington Boys Home where he resided as a young boy. Glenn met the love of his life of 52 years, Linda Harshbarger Blackwell, at Fort Defiance High School in Fort Defiance, Virginia where he was an accomplished athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He and Linda were married on January 16, 1971. Shortly after the union of marriage, Glenn was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He proudly and obediently served his country for 22 years before retiring as a Command Sergeant Major in 1993. Glenn mentored thousands of soldiers and devoted his life to his country and God. He was recognized by The United States Army with honorable service, a National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal accompanied by two Bronze Service Stars, the Saudi Arabia Kuwait Liberation Medal, and countless other personal and unit decorations. After retiring from the United States Army, Glenn spent the remainder of his life in trade work of equine farming, woodworking, construction, and cheering for the Virginia Tech Hokies.
Glenn and Linda made their permanent home in Virginia in 1993, and recently moved to Lewes, Delaware to enjoy life at the beach. He enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He loved tinkering in his garage and on his boat.
Perhaps no better joy in his life than his children: Stephanie and Rob Lane (Staunton, Virginia); Michelle and Brian Ray (Wilmington, DE); Beth and Dane Sheely Jr. (Catawba, VA,); and his nine grandchildren who lovingly called him Goddy: Nathaniel, Matthew, Anna Grace, Emma, Eleanor, Sara, Avery, Emma, and Anderson. In addition to his immediate family, Glenn loved the company of his dearest friends, Dean and Theresa Waldroup (Hayesville, NC), and Jim and Julie Robinson (Clintwood, VA). He had a deep love for his dog Gunner.
Glenn was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Dallas, and Jean Harshbarger; his sister-in-law, Susan Wine; his parents, Clarence Blackwell, and Betty Jo McClain; his brother, Dale Blackwell; and his sister, LeAnn Castle.
A funeral service to celebrate Glenn’s life will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 7:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins -Lodge Chapel, Lewes, DE, where friends may call beginning at 6:00 PM.
All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via live streaming by visiting the following link: http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10672702/LTWebcast.
As a proud, decorated veteran of the United States Army, Glenn’s wishes are to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. A full honors burial is expected at a later date. Once arrangements are confirmed by Arlington National Cemetery, the family will notify loved ones who wish to attend an honorable celebration of his life in the nation's capital.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Glenn’s memory to the National Down Syndrome Society, .https://give.ndss.org/GlennB or 1155 15th NW, Suite 540, Washington, DC 20005, as a tribute to his grandson, Matthew Ray, or to the Covington Boys Home, 414 Boys Home Road, Covington, VA 24426, a community that provided a safe space during his childhood.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORAL NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022, TO OUR FUNERAL HOME IN LEWES.
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