William "Bill" John Blackstone, Jr. Obituary (1942 - 2025)

William "Bill" John Blackstone Jr. 82 years old, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025. He was born on October 19, 1942 in Boston, MA, to William John Blackstone Sr. and Annie Elizabeth Foote. Bill served 24 years to our country, starting at age 17, joining the Massachusetts National Guard. He then spent 8 years in the Air Force working on the Titan ll Missile Silos. He joined the Army after that with a tour in Korea, two tours in Germany, and was a Vietnam Era veteran but never saw combat. He retired from service August 31, 1983, at the rank of SFC. Then, he worked for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office as a transportation officer. After retiring from both the military and county work, he and Kelly traveled across the United States in an RV. Bill and Kelly really enjoyed traveling over the 16 years reconnecting with family & making many new friends. They settled in TX in 2012 at Eldorado Acres RV Park. He enjoyed his morning walks, visiting with many residents along his path. He is survived by Kelly, his wife of 37 years. His children, Beth (Carmene) Carbone, Laurel (Craig Radmer) Blackstone, Jennie Jacobson, and Anthony Miller. His brother, Robert Blackstone. As well as his grandchildren: Christopher Carbone, Carl (Whitney) Carbone, Kimberly (Shane) Johannsen, Katie (Thomas) Nadel, John (Becky) Kennedy, Bryan Kennedy, Michael Kennedy, Noah Kennedy, Brittany Hagen, Shelby (Kelsi) Jacobson, Zachary (Wanda) Jacobson, Tyler Miller, Trevor Miller, and Mariah Miller. Great Grandchildren: Astrid, Kayleigh, Tristan, and Mackenzie Carbone, Jay, Beau, and Riggs Johannsen, Baby Nadel due May 2025, Sol Kennedy, Gavin Hagen, Brynlee and Journee Igou, Nathan and Gage Jacobson, Zach Bahr, Azalea, Christan, Katheleen, and Thomas Jacobson, and Evalynn Miller. Aunt Ruthie Philbrook, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceeded in death by his parents, his sister Nancy Tusing, his brother Steven Blackstone. His Son in law, Michael Jacobson. Private family gathering held Sunday March 9, 2025. Thank you for your prayers and stories you have shared these past weeks. Bill was one of a kind.