Ricky Lynn Blackwell passed away February 13, 2021 at the age of 72. He was born in Goodland, Kansas on January 22, 1949 to William and Alberta Blackwell.  He grew up in Topeka, Kansas but later relocated to Springfield, Missouri where he lived most of his adult life.

He is survived by three children, Angela Morelock, Malinda Owens, and Richard Blackwell; Seven grandchildren, Amanda Blackwell, Kathryn Hargis, Dayton Merrill, Kaleb Blackwell, Alexis Stevens, Kaylee Blackwell, and Robert Morelock, Jr.; five great grandchildren, Aiden Mondragon, Damon Mondragon, Elijah Merrill, Adilynn Merrill, and Hailey Merrill; and two siblings, Glenda (Kenny) Hase and Darlene (John) Gartner.

Ricky was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Blackwell; one child, Matthew Blackwell; his parents; and eight siblings, Billy, Bobby, Terry, Ronnie, Cindy, Danny, Connie and Glea.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He also loved listening to Royals baseball on the radio & was a dedicated KU Jayhawks Basketball and Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Ricky served in United States Army during the Vietnam War.

The family will attend private graveside military honors, and he will be laid to rest at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield.  In accordance with Ricky's memorial wishes, no visitation or service will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Missouri Council of the Blind or Ozarks Food Harvest.