Wayne Erwin Blackwell

Wayne Erwin Blackwell of Albany, Louisiana went to be with his Heavenly father on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born October 3rd, 1952 in Bogalusa, Louisiana and graduated from Istrouma Senior High School in 1971 where he met his high school sweetheart, Madeline Crochet. Wayne and Madeline were married on August 14th, 1971. They had three daughters and five grandchildren and were married 53 years. Wayne served his country in the United States Navy before joining the City of Baton Rouge Fire Department, fulfilling his life-long dream of becoming a firefighter. He bravely served the people of Baton Rouge as a firefighter until a hunting accident left him paralyzed in 1989. Wayne continued his career with the Fire Department as a communication officer until he retired in 2003 with over 25 years of service.
After paralysis changed his life forever, Wayne's sister Patti introduced him to a group of veterans, who met annually to participate in The National Paralyzed Veterans Wheelchair games. Wayne competed and earned many gold, silver, and bronze medals in various sports and events. Upon retiring from the Fire Department, Wayne became very active in the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). There he served over the years in several positions including Sports Director, President, and ultimately Executive Director for Bayou Gulf States – a tri state chapter of PVA. He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Governor's Council for Disabilities. In 2004, he was awarded the prestigious Pathfinder Award by Safari Club International for his work encouraging disabled individuals to continue to enjoy the outdoors and overcome their physical limitations.
Wayne served as a Deacon at Bethlehem Baptist Church where he was an active member for over 45 years, taught 4th grade boys at Vacation Bible School, and was an RA Leader. There he sought to pass down to future generations his love of Christ and the role of a Christian man. Wayne began a masonic journey as a Demolay in high school, eventually attaining the position of Worshipful Master of the Albany Masonic Lodge #466 in 2013. Wayne worked tirelessly, often multiple jobs simultaneously, throughout his life to care for his family and serve his community. He took great pride in putting his three daughters through college and instilled the importance of integrity, character, a high moral code, the value of a job well done, and love for family, country, and God. His courageous and tenacious drive to overcome the ongoing and unimaginable obstacles of being paralyzed from the waist down for 35 years inspires us all to press on through whatever we may face.
Wayne was a fun-loving jokester, who lit up a room, livened up an event, and made deep long-lasting friendships in the first few minutes. He and Madeline enjoyed traveling the world ranging from roughing in on road trips to Alaska, to sky-high hotels in Dubai, to safaris in Africa. His favorite past times were playing with his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors with his bride of 53 years. Wayne frequently said that he could never have done the things he did nor even survived this long without the strength, dedication, and love of Madeline.
He is survived by his wife, Madeline Crochet Blackwell; daughters, Laura Brown (Rodney), Sara Bezou (Jason), Cary Clark; sisters, Cathy Holland (Ardell), Patricia Scurlock, Margaret Blackwell; brothers, Willis Blackwell (Sheila), Wilfred Blackwell; grandchildren, Zachary Earnest Brown, Jillian Nicole Brown, Isabella Anne Theard Bezou, Elizabeth Crochet Bouligny Bezou, and Katherine Plauche Beauregard Bezou; nieces and nephews, Chris Blackwell (Ria), Tammy Kennair (Bruce), AJ Holland (Amanda), Jonathan Holland (Brittany), Kelli Watford (Jason), Kacey Pourciau; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Evelyn Blackwell; infant brother, Eugene Wallace Blackwell; and brother-in-law, John Scurlock.
Special gratitude to his sister, Dr. Cathy Holland, whose medical knowledge and tireless dedication and prayers helped to navigate through Wayne's complex medical care. Also thanks to his sister Margaret Blackwell, who was always just a phone call away to help; his brother Willis who helped him facilitate his endeavors; his sister Patti Scurlock, who was one of his most dedicated cheerleaders and supporters; and his younger brother, best friend, and invaluable hunting buddy, Will Blackwell; and the countless doctors, nurses, and medical staff who kept him active and alive for 35 years post injury.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a memorial service on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church at 29350 S. Montpelier Rd, Albany LA 70711 with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Cedar Post Barn at 30648 LA Hwy 43 Albany, LA 70711 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.