Wayne E. Blackwell, age 78, of Bedford, passed away Tuesday afternoon at Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital with his family at his side.

He was born Oct. 1, 1932 in Lawrence County to Noah Everett and Dertha Todd Blackwell.

Wayne spent his professional career in construction and excavating. He worked with Ramshead Corporation, Don Mitchell Builders and ultimately owned his own construction company Wayne Blackwell Builders. After retirement he worked with his son's company Brad Blackwell Excavating.

Wayne was a member of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church and an Air Force Veteran of four years active duty serving during the Korean War. After Korea he served another eight years in the reserves.

Wayne leaves behind his wife of 59 years Roberta (Umphress) "Bert" Blackwell of Bedford; son, Larry Blackwell and wife Marilyn of Las Vegas, son, Kenny Blackwell of Bloomington, daughter, Sheila Hillenburg and husband Mark of Bedford; son, Tracy Blackwell and wife Kelly of Bedford, son, Brad Blackwell of Bedford and son, Dave Blackwell and wife Nichole of Bloomington. Wayne was grandfather to 20 grandchildren, Troy Blackwell, Stacie Renard, Wyatt Blackwell, Emily Trueblood, Jamie Morris, Laura Patterson, Jennifer Blackwell, David Blackwell, Stephanie Womack, Chris Johnson, Tara Dodds, Mark Hillenburg II, Cory Blackwell, Kyle Blackwell, Canon Blackwell, Ashleigh Blackwell, Brylee Blackwell, Marina Blackwell, Addisyn Blackwell, and Maddix Blackwell. He also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Cleta Murphy and Betty Todd; a brother, Darrell Blackwell and wife Gleathel; and two brothers-in-law, Jim Umphress and Bud Umphress and wife Ann.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Marie Fish, Lena Murphy, Reatha Seiverling, Marian Blackwell, Wilma Allen, Ray Blackwell, and twins David and William Blackwell.

Funeral services for Wayne will be at 2 p.m Saturday at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 South Old Highway 37, Bloomington.

Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Friday, also at Allen Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.