Blackwell C. Dunnam

Obituary

Blackwell "Blackie" Charles Dunnam, 85, passed away Nov. 3, 2007.

He is survived by his wife Lois Whiffen Dunnam, daughter Nancy Dunnam Pierce and husband Matthew of Gunnison, Colorado; son Curtis Dunnam of Ithaca, New York; and two grandchildren, Ariel and Austin Dunnam.

Blackwell was born in Paris France to the late Therese and Richard Dunnam on August 31, 1922. A U.S. citizen by birthright, at the age of seven his family relocated to Dayton, Ohio.

An Army Air Force B-24 lead crew heavy bomber pilot in World War II, Blackwell flew a tour of 30 missions over France and Germany. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. He continued on to Purdue University where he met Lois Whiffen, married and had their first child Curt. He graduated from Purdue with a B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Blackwell served 31 years in government service, retiring on January 1, 1980 as a former Director of the Fuels and Lubricant Division of the aero Propulsion Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, a research and development facility. During this period he and his family resided in Troy, Ohio.

In 1972 Blackwell and Lois discovered Sanibel Island and spent winters there until they were able to make their permanent residence there in the 1990's. He spent his days on Sanibel fishing getting out on the water and exploring the natural beauty.

Blackie also had many talents as a builder, an avid duck hunter, the creator of the leaky teaky, and loved all outdoor activities with his family and many friends. As an artist he created real-life carvings of ducks and many folk art designs.

He was a great father, a true friend, and will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at Cypress Cove, Monday, December 3, 2007. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.