Thomas Russell Blackwood

Thomas Russell Blackwood, 77, of Topeka, died Monday, July 14, 2008. Russell was born on November 20, 1930 in Burlington, CO, the son of Thomas A. Blackwood and Emma J. (Woodside) Blackwood. He moved with his family to Goodland, KS, then in 1935 to Topeka, where he attended schools into his junior year at Topeka High School. Russell and his family were members of Central Presbyterian Church. Russell benefitted from early programs at the Capper Foundation and then in 1985, began to receive independent living services from Sheltered Living, Inc. In 2001, Russell began particpating in Senior Services at TARC, Inc. and in 2003 moved to a Sheltered Living, Inc. group home where his seven roommates and the staff became his second family. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mildred E. Burson, and his brothers, Delmar J. Blackwood, Raymond M. Blackwood and Martin S. Blackwood. Survivors include his brother, Arthur Wayne (Lorraine) Blackwood of Wichita Falls, TX, nieces and nephews, Margo E. Burson of Topeka, Richard L. (Kathleen) Burson of Midland, MI, Sherrie (Charles) Hatten of Cedar Park, TX, Jeanne (Joe) Denton-Scheck of Jacksonville, FL, Susan (Ralph) Gouldy of Summerland Key, FL, Connie (Hugh) Shaw of Roanoke, TX, Karen (Scott) DeMent of Midlothian, TX, Cheryl (Dan) McDonald of Wichita Falls, TX, Robert L. (Carole) Blackwood of Freeport, TX, Nancy Blackwood of Jay, OK, Linda (Tom) Blackwood-Uglean of Afton, OK, Steven M. (Gay) Blackwood of Oregon City, OR, Scott S. (Phyllis) Blackwood of Louisville, KY, Janet (H.R.) Schreiner and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Russell will lie in state after 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to TARC, Inc., Senior Services Building Fund, 2701 S.W. Randolph, Topeka, KS 66611 or to Sheltered Living, Inc., 2044 S.W. Fillmore, Topeka, KS 66604.