Reuben E. Blackwell, 49, of Jefferson Twp., passed away after his battle with cancer, on Sunday, January 4, 2015 in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was the husband of Debra L. (Carlisle) Blackwell, to whom he was married to for twenty-two years. Born in Reading, he was the son of Jerome E. Blackwell and Edna M. (Emerich) Blackwell, of Shoemakersville. Reuben was a 1983 graduate of Hamburg Area High School. After high school, he served in the Army and retired twenty-three years later. Reuben served as a green beret in the Special Forces, 3rd Group. During his time in the military, he received several medals and high honors. Followed by his time in the Army, Reuben was a subcontractor for the military overseas from 2006-2013. He enjoyed his spare time riding his Harley Fatboy and spending time with his family target shooting. Reuben was a member of Vaux Lodge #406 F. & A.M., Hamburg; and Northkill Rod and Gun Club. Surviving in addition to his wife Debra and parents, are his four children: Heather (Blackwell) Peterson and her husband Emmanuel and their children Jazlyn, Trinity, and Azrael, of Bernville; Kyle Bassette and his daughter Jayden, Shartlesville; Cody Blackwell, Shartlesville; and Haylie Blackwell and her daughter Josie, Shartlesville. Reuben is also survived by his brother: Jerome A. "Skip" Blackwell, in Virginia; and his sisters: Rachel A. Blackwell, Bernville; and Elizabeth (Blackwell) Brunner, Fleetwood. Reuben was greatly loved and will be missed by many. A Celebration of Life Memorial for Reuben will be held on Friday, January 9, beginning at 2:00 pm at the Bernville Grange, 37 Shartlesville Road, Bernville (BYOB). Military honors will be given at 3:30 pm by Ray Master Post #217 American Legion, Topton. For more information, e-mail Heather at H.Peterson12@yahoo.com. Donations for Reuben may be given by going to gofundme.com, search Reuben Blackwell. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.