Riley David Blackwell

Riley David “R.D.” Blackwell, age 86, of New Philadelphia passed away early Monday morning, December 26, 2011 in Union Hospital at Dover following a courageous battle with cancer.Born July 11, 1925 in Heckman County, Only, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Boyd Hughes and Emma (Helm) Blackwell.R.D.’s family moved to Ohio in 1927. He attended country schools in the New Philadelphia area and went to high school in Freeport, Ohio. R.D.’s father suffered a stroke, his brothers’ were called to serve their country; so R.D. left school so he could do the farm work and take care of the family’s medical needs. In 1947, he went to work in New Philadelphia and later began his 38 year career with Ridge Tool â?? I.F. Manufacturing. When the plant closed, R.D. was a foreman. He also researched and developed molds for wrench handles in 1986. During his employment at I.F. Manufacturing, R.D. also made plastic fittings in his garage, that helped put John Glenn into orbit, and opened a radiator shop â?? all done during his “extra” hours. He also worked as a Reserve Deputy for the Tuscarwas County Sheriff Department for 14 years.R.D. enjoyed his antique cars and helping others with theirs. He also enjoyed farming and fishing with his dear friend.R.D. was a member of the Church of Christ on Commercial Ave. in New Philadelphia.He is survived by his wife, the former Mary Ann Parker, whom he married on May 27, 1949 in Greenup, Kentucky. He also leaves behind four sons, David L. (Debbie), Loren M. (Pamela), Keith D., and Bruce M. Blackwell, all of New Philadelphia; four grandchildren, Derek Sean, Sabrina Jean, Jennifer Ann, Nicholas Arlen; one brother, Resa A. Blackwell of Watertown, TN; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers and five sisters, this includes his twin sisters who died as infants.Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Thursday, December 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. A service will be led by Tim Hatfield in the funeral home’s chapel on Friday morning beginning at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Friends are invited to the Church of Christ, 749 Commercial Ave., New Philadelphia, O. 44663 following the committal service where a meal will be shared.Those wishing to do so may send the family personal condolences by visiting the funeral home’s website.The family request memorial contributions in R.D.’s memory be directed to either the Church of Christ or the American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, O. 44406.”Be at peace, you will forever remain in our hearts and your independence and strength will always guide us. You have been an inspiration to those who knew and loved you. We love you and miss you.”