FORT MEADE, S.D. -- Bert E. Blackwell entered into rest on Jan. 20, 2017, at Fort Meade, S.D. He was born in Duquoin, Kan., on Jan. 4, 1941, to Harold and Georgia Blackwell.

Bert graduated from high school in Isabel, Kan., in 1959, and joined the U.S. Navy. He completed his bachelor of arts degree with the University of Kansas on 1964. He became a Naval aviator and after eight years during the Viet Nam era, he received an honorable discharge to raise his two minor sons. In 1974, he received his Juris Doctor Degree from Washburn University School of Law and practiced law in McCook, Neb., for the last 42 years, specializing in bankruptcy law.

A focus of his life was to help people in the beautiful State of Nebraska with their legal matters. Bringing hope and helping make their lives better was what he desired. He also cared for family and friends, and loved to camp, hike, ski, windsurf, and worship with them. He was a Elder at the Seventh Day Adventist Church also servings as Sabbath School teacher, Pathfinder leader and most recently he studied with Spanish speaking members learning Spanish while sharing God's word. As Elder Bert gave many sermons through the years that blessed all who heard them. He was never too busy to share a smile to lend a helping hand or give free legal advice.

He is survived by his spouse, Sharon Meese Blackwell; his two sons, Eric Blackwell of Tulsa, Okla., and Jason Blackwell of Vestal, N.Y.; his daughter, Debra Blackwell Darnall of Black Hawk, S.D.; his brother, Ben Blackwell of Kelso, Wash.; his sister, Donna Krug of Bartlett, Ill.; as well as grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.

Bert requested that no memorial service be planned. Memorial donations may be made to Flag Mountain Youth Camp, 7200 North Washington Street, Bismarck, N.D. 58503.