William Arkwright Blackman

William Arkwright Blackman, 76, of 109 Pyle St.; Carrier Mills, IL; died Thursday July 18, 2013 at 3:00 pm at the Carrier Mills Nursing Home. Graveside services will be held Tuesday July 23, 2013 at 10 am at Reids Chapel Cemetery. There will be no visitation, all friends should go directly to the cemetery. Reverend Jeff Owens will officiate. Felty Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, IL have been entrusted with the arrangements. He was born on May 9, 1937 in Carrier Mills, IL to the late Ishmel Douglas and Oma (Graves) Blackman. After leaving Illinois he married and worked in Idaho for 20 years. Then he returned to the Carrier Mills area where he trucked, did carpentry work, and farmed. He married Ludene Fox on February 17, 1978 and she preceded in death on January 20, 2011. They both was blessed by the constant support of the Stonefort General Baptist Church while residing in Carrier Mills. Pastor Jeff Owens and the congregation shared the love of God with both of them and always blessed them through their many health challenges at the end of their lives. Bill will be remembered for the love for fishing, hunting, family, friends, fireworks and a good trick or two. He is survived by 3 Children: Carson (Jennifer) Blackman of Ogallala, NE; Cami (Mike) Prochnow of Seward, NE and Wesley (Tim Evenson) Blackman of Minneapolis, MN; Grandchildren: Jared (Missy) Blackman of Palisade, NE; Britni (Brad) O'Keefe of Valentine, NE; Katie (Shane Struckman of Lincoln, NE; Morgan and Chase Prochnow of Seward, NE; Great Grandchildren: Kenna, Luke, Matthew, Nathan, Jacob, Abigail Blackman; Zoe, Haley and Gracee O'Keefe; Emma and Bree Struckman; 1 Brother: Doug (Shirley) Blackman of Carrier Mills, IL; 4 Sisters: Marie (Nathan) Carter of Herrin, IL; Barbara Cooper of Galatia, IL; Linda (Jim) Beasley of Harrisburg, IL and Sue Heflin of Galatia, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Brother: Gary Blackman; Sister: Kay Williams and Great grandchild: Maya Blackman.