Eldon Dwayne Blackwell

Eldon Dwayne Blackwell, known as “Dwayne” passed away peacefully on Friday, January 20, 2023, at the age of 74.Dwayne was born and raised in Lovington, NM with his parents and 4 siblings. Shortly after high school he met Carolyn. His blue-green eyes pierced her heart and the 1968 New Years Eve fireworks sparked their 54 ½ years of love and friendship. On June 22, 1968, they eloped and were married in Juarez, Mexico. That day he not only gained a beautiful wife, he was also taken into the Roberts family and loved like a son and brother. A little over a year later, on July 28, 1969, Dwayne left to report for duty and served in the 1st Infantry Division of the Army in Vietnam. After being wounded, he returned home in January of 1970 to his wife and new daughter. Carolyn and Dwayne moved to Wichita and received the blessings of another daughter and son. He dedicated 42 years of his life to his work at Cessna Aircraft. He created lifelong bonds with many people over his time there working as a welder and receiving area crew chief. Dwayne loved animals, especially dogs and horses, vintage cars, and motorcycles. His garage is a testament to his passion for collecting things that would be handy in the many “projects” he would take on. He had a gift for fixing things. Whatever problem or project his friends and family needed help with, he was the first one there. Family was very important to Dwayne. After retiring, he and Carolyn spent a good bit of the year traveling near and far across the US to visit family and friends. They were able to visit his many aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews where laughs and adventures created so many wonderful memories. He loved spending time in Oregon and North Carolina with his children and grandchildren celebrating so many special moments and just being present for them. He was also blessed with being so near his sisters and family here in Wichita that he loved so dearly. His wit, humor, and love will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. His family would like to thank everyone who has helped in person, reached out in support and are present in this difficult time. Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ora Mae Blackwell and his brothers Bryan & Carl Blackwell, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Blackwell of Maize, KS; daughters Christian (Greg) Peterson and Melissa (Bill) Floyd all of Charlotte, NC; son, Justin (Reeba Daniel) Blackwell of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Sarah, Cailin, and Garyn Peterson, and Aria Blackwell; sisters, Norma (Don) Morgan and Glenda (Fred) Smith all of Wichita, KS; bonus daughter Joy Hungate of Kansas City, MO and bonus grandchildren Max, Cooper and Bella; and so many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins that he loved. A memorial has been established with: Phoenix Home Care & Hospice 3450 North Rock Road, Building 200, Suite 213, Wichita, KS 67226. Visitation will be from 2:00 - 4:00 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 29, 2023, both at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary, 10515 W. Maple, Wichita, KS 67209. Funeral Service will be Live Streamed and available to view by clicking "Watch Event" below.

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