Delos McKinley Blackwell

Delos McKinley Blackwell, 76, of Holden, Louisiana passed away on August 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Delos was born on August 23, 1949, in Holden and was a lifelong resident of Livingston Parish. Delos and his siblings lived out their faith and supported each other, as they demonstrated the love of Christ stated in Romans 12: 10-11, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” (KJV).

Mr. Blackwell was a retired Boilermaker and a successful entrepreneur, as demonstrated by the development of Blackwell’s Mobile Home Park in Holden, Louisiana. He was an automotive entrepreneur, specializing in Volkswagens. He designed and built go-carts, established a bottled water company and automotive paint shop, was a licensed auctioneer, an airplane pilot and held a commercial fisherman’s license.

As a civil servant, he served as a member of the Livingston Parish Council, representing District 9.

Delos was an avid fisherman, deer hunter, politician and defender of the less fortunate. He was a keen businessman, wise beyond formal education, a self-taught visionary, a trusted keeper of secrets, and loyal to a fault. He was love.

Until his death, he was an active member of the Board of Directors for the First United Pentecostal Church of Holden. He passionately supported the upkeep of church properties, ministries of the Church, and worldwide missions.

He is survived by his two children, Ricky M. Blackwell (Julie) and Jennifer Blackwell Rogers (David); five grandchildren, Landon and Logan Blackwell, Gracie and Abi Lout, and Zach Rogers. Mr. Blackwell is also survived by his siblings, Dr. David L. Blackwell (Joan), Dr. Dewey Blackwell, Mrs. Elda Verran Thibeau (Brannon) and Ms. Velda Goynes.

Preceded in death by his wife, Trudy Salsassi Blackwell, parents David and Ella Blackwell, brother-in-law Tommy Goynes, and mother and father-in-law, Liz and Leroy Salassi.

Officiating his home going services will be Dr. David Blackwell, Rev. Jeremy Allen and Rev. Tonya Blackwell Penalber.

Pallbearers will be Landon and Logan Blackwell, Zach Rogers, Shannon Sykes, Nathan  and Joel Penalber.

Honorary Pallbearers are Brannon Thibeau, David Goynes and Chris Lout.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Pentecostal Church of Holden, P.O. Box 11, Holden, Louisiana 70744.

Family and friends will be received at First United Pentecostal Church of Holden, 29661 LA 441, Holden, Louisiana 70744 on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at First United Pentecostal Church of Holden Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.