Garreth Benton Blackwell

Garreth Benton Blackwell passed away Friday, December 9, 2016 at his home in Ellettsville surrounded by his family. Born in Needmore, IN on June 12, 1938 he was the son of Elmer Oren and Barbara Alice (Gwin) Blackwell. Garreth attended elementary schools in Needmore, Oolitic, and Scottsburg. Upon the death of his mother in 1948 he moved to the home of aunt and uncle, Clarence and Freeda Blackwell Stewart. Graduating from Ellettsville High School in 1956 he then attended Wichita University in Kansas where he was employed by the Boeing Airplane Company. He met his wife Ann while attending the Methodist Church in Ellettsville where they were baptized together in 1949 and attended Methodist Youth Fellowship together. They were marred at the church on June 30, 1957 and are still active members. Garreth and Ann began their married life in Wichita, Kansas and then returned to Ellettsville in 1958 where Garreth worked at the Gifford Farm Store. After purchasing his own heavy equipment, he worked for Curry Construction, Sid Cowden Construction, May Development and several building contractors. Garreth began the Blackwell Construction and Excavating Company in 1959 helping the town with their new sewer system development and building several homes in the area. In 1964 they built their home in Westbrook Downs subdivision which he helped to develop. This is where they lovingly raised their 3 daughters. In 1984 they built another home on the Westside of Ellettsville where they enjoyed many happy times, including sitting on their front porch visiting with friends, family, and great grandkids. Garreth enjoyed vacationing with his family, collecting miniature Oliver tractors and heavy equipment models. He also enjoyed woodworking projects in his workshop. He served as an active Boy Scout leader at the Ellettsville First United Methodist Church. Garreth’s family would like to thank the staff at IU Health-Bloomington Hospice for the loving care given to Garreth and his family. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Ann Gifford Blackwell; daughters, Alice (Rick) Robertson, Linda Blackwell, and Angie (Andy) Fluke; grandchildren, Keely Robertson Cunningham, Douglas “Shane” (Valerie) Owens, Nic (Jamie) Robertson, Benton “Ben” (Dava) Fluke, Jeremy “Heath” Owens, Kristen Fluke (Fiancé Matt Richards), Kaitlin “Katy” Owens (Brandon) Coffey, and Amber Ragle (Brandon) Wright; great-grandchildren, Jakob Cunningham, Jonathan “JJ” Smith, Aiden Hutslar, Christina Owens and Kinley Wright; sister-in-law, Wilodene Gifford Chaffin; brothers, Wallace (Sue) Stewart and Paul (Barbara) Stewart; and several nieces and nephews that are very fond of him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Morris Eugene Blackwell; sister, Barbara Joan Blackwell Deckard; infant son, Gary Joe Blackwell; and aunt and uncle, Clarence and Freeda Stewart. Funeral services will be held at the Ellettsville First United Methodist Church on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Art Collins officiating. Burial will follow at Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation will be at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 and again one hour prior the services. The family requests contributions to the Ellettsville First United Methodist Church or to the Presbyterian Cemetery in care of the funeral home.

Garreth Benton Blackwell

June 12, 1938 - December 9, 2016