COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Michael Douglas Blackwell, 71, of Columbia passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, in Columbia.

Michael was born April 30, 1945, in Cape Girardeau to Paul and Hazel Brasher Blackwell.

He served in the U.S. Army Infantry during Vietnam from 1963 to 1967. On June 26, 1993, he married Pam Waller in Columbia. He worked as a local and over-the-road truck driver for 40 years, and he had his HAZMAT and CDL. He also enjoyed fishing, country music and woodworking. As a full-blooded Cherokee Indian, Mike was very proud of his Native-American heritage.

He is survived by his wife, Pam of 23 years; daughters, Heather (Joshua) Lansing of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Jennifer Blackwell of Jackson; three grandchildren, Brantley and Skyler Lansing and Ethan Ivester; siblings, Roxie (Jerry) Davis of Jackson and Charles (Barbie) Blackwell of Sydney, Australia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and half sister, Sheila Blackwell.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), 5054 Monticello Road, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.