John Marlin Blackwell II

John Marlin Blackwell II passed away at the age of 53 on Monday, February 24, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home in Kentwood, Louisiana. 

John was born on December 21, 1971, in Slidell, Louisiana to native Louisianans John Blackwell and Catherine East. In 1994 he joined the Army National Guard, after which he spent some time as a commercial diver. Following this, he joined the New Orleans Fire Department, where he spent 27 years bravely pouring his time and energy into his service, with 20 years as a captain. His fellow firefighters thought of him as a brother, and remember him as always being the first one to rush into a fire, as well as the Hard Rock when it collapsed in 2019. 

He enjoyed a variety of activities in his spare time, including a long stint in bodybuilding, and he enjoyed riding his three wheelers and dirt bikes on his property of several acres. He loved fixing up his vehicles and showing them off at the firehouse.

John was a deeply devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His wife, Denise, was more than just a life companion to him: she was his best friend and favorite person to spend time with. He was intensely proud of his sons, and he poured out affection on his grandchildren as a doting grandfather. 

 He is survived by his parents John Blackwell and Catherine East, his three siblings, Brian Blackwell, Robert Blackwell, and Sarah Blackmon, his wife Denise Blackwell, his son John Blackwell III and wife Cecilia, his son Garrett Schwankhart and wife Mackenzie, his daughter Brooke Granger and husband Spencer, as well as three grandchildren: Levi, Lucy, and Enola. 

John's family invites the community to celebrate John's life with them on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Metairie Baptist Church 401 Codifer Blvd, Metairie, LA 70005. A visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and a service will follow at 12:00 p.m. A procession will pass Rescue 7 Fire House 1441 St. Peter New Orleans, LA 70116 and will commence in a reception at New Orleans Fire Fighters Association Local 632 on 5710 General Haig St. New Orleans, LA 70124. John's Burial will take place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Tylertown Cemetery in Tylertown, MS, at 10:00 a.m., where Military Honors will take place. 

Bagnell & Son Funeral Home is honored to have the privilege of caring for a local hero, a family man and proud Veteran. We recognize his sacrifices and achievements. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this loss.