Ron Blackwell

BENTONVILLE — Ron Blackwell, 91, of Hot Springs and Bentonville, Arkansas, peacefully passed away on July 31, 2026.

"Pop" was lovingly surrounded by his wife and children. He was born Jan. 4, 1935, in Hinton, Oklahoma.

Ron proudly served his country in the Wichita, Kansas Army National Guard. In 1990, he married the love of his life, Wanda Minor Blackwell, in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Ron was a respected car dealer and owner of Ron Blackwell Ford/Jeep in Bentonville, where he was known for providing exceptional service to his customers. He lived by the words, "If we don't take care of our customers, then someone else will." Ron owned the dealership for 30 years and appreciated every employee and customer.

Ron enjoyed fishing in the South Padre Bay where they spent most of their early retirement. In Hot Springs, he enjoyed a weekly afternoon playing blackjack. He was also an accomplished pilot who flew his own airplanes for more than 60 years.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, "Grandma Jessie" Rempel of Hinton, Oklahoma; and his two sisters, Marilyn and Cheryl.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Wanda Minor Blackwell; children, Leigh Ann Wiechern (Howard), Chad Summerford (Stephanie) and Brent Manning (Mandy); grandchildren, Andrew Wiechern (Cali), Luke Summerford (Savannah), Adam Wiechern (Julia), Emily Manning, Lucy Summerford, Elizabeth Ann Wiechern, Natalie Manning and Lily Summerford.

A celebration of Ron's life will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home with Reverend Fred W. Hunter officiating. Visitation and lunch will be served at the Elks Lodge.

A private family graveside burial will be held at White Hall United Methodist church cemetery.

Pallbearers include Andrew Wiechern, Luke Summerford, Adam Wiechern, Chad Summerford, Brent Manning and Howard Wiechern.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elk Lodge 380 at 132 Abbott Place, Hot Springs, AR 71913 or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Online condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.

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