David L. Blackwell, 66, of Great Falls passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2017 due to natural causes. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 7 from 12-4 pm at DB Coopers, 1400 10th Ave N.

David was born on August 15, 1951 in Pensacola, FL to Marie Douglas. He graduated from Willingham High School in Macon, GA. David excelled on the gymnastics team and as the catcher of the baseball team. He went on to join the Air Force and was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, in Montana. David loved Great Falls so much, he decided to stay after getting discharged. Once he got out he owned a Phillips 66 Station on 57th and 2nd Ave N; that is when he decided to start Snakes Towing Service. David then caught the entrepreneurial bug and stated flipping houses, before it was in style. He and his longtime friend and business partner, Bob Erickson got their Real Estate License in 1976. From there they were off to the races of buying and selling houses as well as acquiring rentals. David and Lynne Willis wed in February of 1974 in Bitburg, Germany; they had two sons, Adam and Tyler. The two later divorced in 1990. David was a fantastic businessman, he owned and operated many businesses in Great Falls, including his most recent, D.B. Coopers, formerly known as Spoons One Way. He met his sweetheart of 26 years, Pam and her son Mathew in 1991. They decided it was time to tie the knot in 2011.

David had a deep affection for motorcycles, especially dirt bikes, other interests included boating, snowmobiling, and basically anything that allowed him to be outdoors. Spending time with his sweetheart, his boys and their families was very important to him. David was bigger than life, he always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He loved the thrill of the deal and was always looking for the next one. Numerous lives were touched by him, and everyone benefited from having known him, he made everyone better people. He worked hard, played harder and loved with all his heart. He will be missed by so many and the community has lost a kind and generous man.

Survivors are wife, Pam Blackwell of Great Falls, MT; daughter, Susan (Eric McClure) Blackwell of Great Falls, MT; sons, Adam (Jessica) Blackwell of Great Falls, MT, Tyler (Hallie) Blackwell of Olympia, WA, Mathew (Kayla) Anderson of Portland, OR; sisters, Darla Shoemaker of Burlington, KY, Donna (Mike) Powers of Lexington, KY, Jada Douglas of Lawrenceville, GA, Debra Goodwin of Forsyth, GA; brothers, Bob (Faith) Goodwin of Waipahu, HI, Melvin (Becky) Douglas Jr. of Macon, GA; and four grandchildren.

Those who have preceded David in death include his mother, and brother, George Goodwin.

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