Karl Eugene Blackwell was born on Sunday, November 17, 1946 to Hugh M. and Ophelia Blackwell in Nashville, Tennessee.  While a young boy, the Blackwell family relocated to Lansing, Michigan.  Karl united with Union Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Charles J. Patterson.

Karl moved to Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Glenville High School in 1965.  Following graduation, Karl met and married Bobbie Ann Smith and to this union Karl, Jr (aka Boogie) was born.

Later Karl, Sr. met Joy Lynn Richards.  Together they moved to Erie, Pennsylvania and became parents of two sons, Keith and Kamal Blackwell.

Karl, Sr. loved the Lord and accepted His calling into the Ministry.   Upon his return to Michigan, he reunited with Union Missionary Baptist Church and became a member of the Male Chorus.

As an aspiring entrepreneur, Karl, Sr. followed his dream by starting his own Company, Perfect Scents.  Blessed with sheer determination and the "gift to gab", he was able to turn Perfect Scents into a profitable and successful business in which he sold cologne, perfume and scented lotions.

He was a true sportsman who loved all types of sports with a passion for competitive bowling and basketball.  He was a number one fan of MSU.  When it was time to relax, Karl, Sr. did so by tuning into movies, listening to music and playing the bass guitar.  His sense of humor was healing and encouraging.

Minister Karl, Sr.'s love for his mother was outstanding.  He showered her with love, respect, and affection.  They shared an inseparable bond and where you saw one you frequently saw the other.  Together they led bible study classes in homes, attended church, and other activities. " Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching."  Proverbs 1:8

On Tuesday, January 7, 2020, Minister Karl Eugene Blackwell, received his call into Paradise. Luke 23:43 "And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."  He was preceded in his homegoing by son, Kamal Blackwell, brother, Hugh Garfield Blackwell Sr. and his father, Hugh Marshall Blackwell.

Cherishing his memory are sons Karl Blackwell Jr. and Keith Blackwell, mother, Ophelia Allen, sisters Desiree (EJ) Fountaine, Sandra Taylor, Carol (Zackary) Cunningham and Rita Allen; granddaughters Kierra, Jazmyn and Auri, sister-in-law Anita Blackwell, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com