Samuel Eugene Blackwell

Samuel Eugene Blackwell, 86, of Rock Springs, passed away on February 7, 2017 in Aurora Colorado. Funeral service will be held at the Young at Heart Senior Citizen's Center, 2400 Reagan Ave, Rock Springs, WY 82901 on February 25, 2017 at 10:00 am. Please bring a special memory of Sam to share with the family. Burial will follow at a later date. Sam was born in Superior, Wyoming to Thomas and Panzey Blackwell on August 31, 1930. He attended high school in Superior and graduated in 1949. Sam went on to enlist in the Army on September 12, 1949 and was discharged October 1, 1952. He served in the Korean War. He worked as a mailman in the VA hospital in Sheridan Wyoming where he met future wife Beverly Joan Shroyer. They were married January 10, 1953 in Sheridan. He then was employed by Halliburton from 1956-1965, then worked at FMC from 1965 to his retirement in 1992. He served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1983 to 1996. Sam served on many boards throughout his life, which included South West Rehabilitation Center (SWRC) and the Young at Heart Senior Citizen's Center (YAHSC). He enjoyed the outdoors, including camping with his family. Sam enjoyed playing cards at the YAHSC with his wife Beverly and friends. He received multiple awards and honors throughout his career. As an honest politician, Sam would say, ""It doesn't matter what they say about you in the news, as long as they spell your name right!"" Sam is survived by his wife, Beverly of Rock Springs, sister Barbara Condie of Billings Montana, and sister-in-law Betty Blackwell of Reliance, Wyoming. His children Michael Blackwell of Paso Robles, California, Nyla Sellers and husband Robert of Rock Springs, Wyoming and Holly Petro and husband Ron of Aurora Colorado. His grandchildren Matthew Sellers and wife Kelsey, Christina Maciel and husband Gavin, Ashlee Blackwell, Travis Sellers, Jordan Blackwell and Darby Petro. He is also survived by his six great-grandchildren, Kateerah, Lariyah, Jaylah, Hunter, Penelope and Adalynn. Lastly survived by many loving family members. Sam is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Eugene and Panzey Fay Blackwell, his brother Thomas Dazey Blackwell and his sister Zelda Ann Dona. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Young at Heart Senior Citizen's Center, 2400 Reagan Ave, Rock Springs, WY 82901 or an organization of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Larry Lauridsen, Dr. Charles Knight and the staff at Sweetwater Memorial Hospital, Melissa and staff at Cowboy Care, Suncrest Hospice of Aurora CO. Special thanks to Holly and Ron Petro, Ashlee Blackwell, Darby Petro, Matthew Shriver, Betty Blackwell, Ellen Hinesley and Erin Hinesley for their support throughout his illness. Thank you to our friends and family that showed us unconditional love and support.