Obituary of Roa Blackwell

Roa "Lee" Blackwell, Sr., 63, of Kalamazoo and previously of Niles, passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. Lee was born on March 23, 1952 to the late William "Willie" & Charlis (Stewart) Blackwell in Berrien Springs, Michigan. After high school Lee joined the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam War. Lee was a mechanic by trade but also loved photography. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Alex Wentz; and one sister, Florence "Flo" Matlock. Lee is survived by his wife, Teresa Russell of Niles; children, Roa "Lee" (Amanda Eagle) Blackwell, Jr. of Kalamazoo, Brandalyn (Labon) Blankenship of Niles, Melinda Blackwell of St. Joseph and Shannon Blackwell of Niles; nine grandchildren; siblings, Sue Anderson of Buchanan, Jim Blackwell of Niles, Sandy Blackwell of Niles, Pauline Blackwell of New Orleans and Irene (Alan) Kiefer of Niles and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Services to honor Lee's life will be held on Monday, April 20, 2015 at Sumnerville Bible Baptist Church in Sumnerville, Michigan at 12:00 p.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior.