Stephen Neal Blackwell

Stephen Neal Blackwell of Lawrence passed away Thursday, September 15, 2022. He was 67.

He was born August 21, 1955, to Richard and Dorothy Blackwell. Steve graduated from Concordia High School in 1973.

He served in the US Army as a medic from 1976 to 1978. He was a proud veteran and continued to support the military. He earned his BS in Psychology from The University of Kansas and later earned his MBA from Baker University. Steve worked for Kansas Foundation for Medical Care for 29 years and later worked for Sunflower Health Plan and KDHE.

Steve was an active part of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. He attended many of their activities and organized fun and unique games at family gatherings such as firecracker baseball, water balloon races and ice cream eating contests.

Steve met Jeanie Brown in 1995 and they married in 2007.

Along with Jeanie, he is survived by his daughters Stephanie (Jim) Keller, Erica (Nate) Hill, Barclay Hagen, Brianne (Casey) Cook; grandchildren Kobe, Madelyn, Kaden, Harleigh, Mason, Cayman, Mikah, Grayson, Brogan, Kiyana and Brittyn, along with several nieces and nephews.

Steve loved history, different eras of music and working on the family farm in Aurora. Most of all, he loved Jesus and took the opportunity to share his faith with those around him. He glorified Jesus by the life he lived. Steve helped and encouraged others and made everyone feel welcome and important. His altruism will continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of countless people.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 23, 2022, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence with Catholic Mass to follow. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Saint Peters Cemetery in Aurora, Kansas.

In honor of Steve’s passion for history and helping children, donations may be directed to O’Connell Youth Ranch or Nicodemus National Historic Site and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.