Dateline: Alton, IL

Howard Eugene Blackwood, 93, died at 6:50 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at his residence. He was born January 1, 1932 in East Alton, IL, the son of the late Howard William and Bertha (Dale) Blackwood, and his stepmother, Faye Blackwood. Howard graduated from East Alton Wood River High School and served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Alton VFW Post 1308. He was a truck driver for many years with Shell Oil Company. Gene enjoyed fishing, going to the donut shop with his Thursday morning coffee buddies, and loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved his wife, kids and grandkids with all of his heart. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his family. On January 18, 1962 in Wood River, IL, he married Victoria Rose Pinta and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Lynn Marie (Chris) Klunk of Grafton, Lori Ann (Brian) Quarton of Litchfield, Lisa Renee Blackwood (fiance´ Zach Beauchamp) of Springfield. Eleven grandchildren, Cole (Vanessa), Kyli, Logan (Rachel), Victoria (Adam), Alexandria (Michael), Julia (Davon), Caroline (Aaron), Camden, Brennan (Natalie), Andrew (Abby) and Jenna (Brandon). Eleven great grandchildren, LaKaya, Francesca, Logan, Jr., Everett, Wally, Theon, Jaxen, Blayklee, Kainen, Sophie and Ellie. Three sisters, Ann Gerl of Rosewood Heights, Roberta de la Rosa of New Mexico and Ruth Blackwood of Connecticut. He loved his beloved and treasured cats, Coco and Chenelle. Besides his parents and stepmother, he was preceded in death by his son, Victor Pinta, and two sisters, Nonnie Stewart and Loretta Dippel. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:00 Noon on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Community Christian Church, 2345 Union School Road, Alton, IL. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery with full military honors by the Alton VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to the Alton VFW Post 1380 or Community Christian Church. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com .