Val Joseph Blackwell was born on the family farm in rural De Soto on August 4, 1938 a son to Val T. and Verna Mae (nee Jones) Blackwell. He died on August 2, 2025 at the de Greeff Hospice House two days shy of his 87th birthday. He is survived by his sister Rebecca Leftridge, nieces Kelly (Jeff) Durrwachter and Krista (David) Buxton and a nephew Kevin (Shannon) Leftridge and their families; a step son Brian (Paula) Dixon, step grandchildren Heather (Aaron) Mosier and Blake (Jessica) Dixon and step great grandchildren: Hattie, Josh, Morgan and Mason. He is also survived by Mike O’Neail who was one of many of Val Joe’s neighbors and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Carolyn S. (nee Stegall) Blackwell and a brother in law Bob Leftridge. Val Joe was a life long farmer who enjoyed 1950’s era music as well as attending musicals and shows. He was a member of Parkview Baptist Church.

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