Obituary of Paul Thomas Blackwell

Paul Thomas Blackwell, 85, passed away peacefully at his home on October 16, 2023, in Sacramento, CA. He was born on October 16, 1938, in Oroville, California to Paul and Bertha Blackwell

 

Paul is survived by his wife, Kathy Blackwell; daughters, Amy Gull, and Michelle Knapp; grandchildren, Hannah Gull, Benjamin Gull, Christopher Sentner, Daniel Thorne, and Caitlan Knapp; grand-nephew, Bill O'Conner, grand-Niece, Kristen O'Conner. He was preceded in death by siblings Glenn Blackwell, Ima Jean Blackwell, William Blackwell; niece Linda O’Conner; parents Paul A. Blackwell and Bertha Blackwell. 

 

Paul was born in Oroville, CA, fourth child to Bertha Beatrice and Paul Alfred.  He moved to Sacramento around 1950 and graduated from Sacramento High School in 1956 and then earned his AA from Sacramento City College. He began working for DMV where he met his first wife Carol Sinetos (married 1972) and with whom he shared a daughter, Amy Blackwell (Gull). Paul worked for a short time at Dept of Fish and Game—a job which he always recalled fondly.  He often told stories of his time on horseback and reminisced of working in the California Sierras.  While his first marriage ended in divorce, he found his soulmate and greatest companion, Kathleen (Kathy) Lawrence while he was working at California Youth Authority in 1979.  Paul’s favorite step-daughter, Michelle, became part of his life when Kathy and he were married in 1980.  They were the kindest, warmest couple who enjoyed boating, long drives, cruises and watching old westerns.  Paul and Kathy adored their dogs-Patches, Emily, and Max who are surely happy to be reunited again with their favorite human who will spoil them in the afterlife.

 

In respecting Paul’s wishes, there will be no services, except for a small private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimers Association.

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