"Pete" Loran Milton Blackwell

"Pete" Loran M. Blackwell, 82, passed away on March 5, 2020 in his home in Overton, NV. He was born on November 24, 1937 in Portland, OR to Loran M. Blackwell and June Wallin. As Pete graduated from high school, he joined the U.S. Army, and served for several years stationed in Germany. He married Beverly Jean Wilcox in 1960, and they had two children. After her passing in 2000, Pete married Jan Ruth Burt in San Jose, CA on April 7, 2001.

Pete grew up playing and working in his father’s body shop, and he learned how to build anything. He used these skills to work as a mechanic for Pontiac Automobiles for several years. In 1980, Pete started his own business, Blackwell Trenching, later Blackwell General Engineering. He worked until 2001 as a pipeline contractor in northern California. He had a passion for cars, and fully restored a 1950 Willys and a 1964 GTO. He built a cabin, trailer, and a boat.

Pete’s greatest passion was flying his helicopter, and flew for fifteen years until 2017. He loved guns and went target shooting often. He often went camping and boating, and took up skiing with his sons. He loved animals, especially cats and dogs. Pete loved to tease those around him, and was not afraid to "tell it like it is". He was very sharp and had the best memory. He was ageless, and was able to connect with anyone. Pete loved his kids and grandchildren.

Pete is survived by his wife, Jan Blackwell; his children, Brett Blackwell, Eric Curtis, Dayna (Creig) Corlis, and Mark (Debbie) Blackwell; his grandchildren, Lindsey, Markie, Lauren, RL, Cory, Mark Jr., Trent, Trevor, Marisa, Nick, Evan, Ryan, Jake, and Maddi; and four great-grandchildren. Pete is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Blackwell, his parents, and his siblings.

There will be a Celebration of Life scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Moapa Valley Mortuary, and will be available through live-stream services. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.