Earl Thomas Blackwell

Earl Thomas Blackwell, 89, of Jackson, passed away Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at Monticello House in Jackson.

He was born Feb. 15, 1922, in Lilbourn, Mo., to Thomas G. and Mary A. Craig Blackwell. He and Dorothy Sides Link were married Aug. 22, 2009.

He honorably served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from Oct. 15, 1942, to Jan. 13, 1946. He worked many years in steel production, primarily in Illinois.

In 2009, he moved to Jackson and became a member of Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson.

Loving survivors include his wife; a daughter, Kay Peace of Camp Verde, Ariz.; a son, John "Butch" Blackwell of Decatur, Ill.; six stepchildren, Nancy Link of Jackson, Debbie Tanner, James Link, Michael Link, Rose French, Lorna Wilkens; five siblings, Robert Blackwell of Fruitland, Connie Melton of Cape Girardeau, Bonnie Busby, Betty Dietiker and Nadine Blyzes.

He was preceded in death by five siblings, Lillie, Clyde, Edith, Maureen and Bill.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to time of service Tuesday at Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson.

The Rev. Don Estes will officiate a memorial service at 11 a.m., at the church, followed by military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Shawnee Hills Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.