Obituary
Obituary for Dan Lowell Blackwell, D.D.S.
Dr. Dan Lowell Blackwell, 87, of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away on April 24, 2025. Dan was born near Polo, Missouri, on February 4, 1938, to Arnold and Floyde Evelyn Blackwell. He was raised on a family farm near there, where he engaged in all farming activities including baling hay and driving tractors.
Dan graduated from Polo High School and went on to University of Missouri at Columbia, where he majored in zoology and psychology. He reveled with many life-long friends who also joined Kappa Sigma fraternity. Upon graduation he worked for IBM Corporation for three years before applying to UMKC School of Dentistry. He received his dental degree in 1968, served his country as a dental officer in Vietnam at DaNang Naval Hospital, followed by an Orthodontic Specialty Residency at UMKC for two more years.
Dr. Blackwell started two orthodontic dental practices in Raytown and Lee’s Summit in 1972. If you grew up in Lee’s Summit during the 1980’s or 90’s, you probably knew Dr. Blackwell, as many young patients were sporting his braces. Dan loved caring for his patients, but it was his faithful staff members who really captured his heart. They were his second family.
Dan was always an optimist, an impeccable dresser, and loved a good joke! He always insisted on “picking up the tab” at meals and gatherings. For his entire life, he experienced the highs and lows of being a die-hard Mizzou fan. He valued his education and always supported efforts to assist and encourage all students to reach their potential.
He resided in Lee’s Summit, Missouri for more than 53 years and served the community on many boards, including Rotary Club, LS Chamber of Commerce, LS R-VII Board of Education, and as President of Missouri State Board of Education and Chairman of the Board of Lee’s Summit Hospital, among others. For years he taught parttime in the Orthodontic Department of UMKC School of Dentistry and cherished the relationships he cultivated with residency students. There is a lecture series named for him at the school.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Vincent Blackwell, and his nephew, Vincent Blackwell, Jr. He is survived by his sister, Linda Edison of Blue Springs, MO; his brother, Keith Blackwell of Dallas, Texas; and eight cherished nieces and nephews and their families. Also surviving are his wife of 59 years, Nancy; his two daughters, Beth Blackwell Nill (David) of Lake Lotawana, MO; and Molly Nail (Roger) of Prairie Village, KS. His pride and joy are his four handsome grandsons – Collin and Dylan Nill, and Nathan and Knox Nail.
In the final days of his life, Dan was surrounded by family and loved ones. His family would especially wish to express gratitude for the compassionate care provided by nurses and staff at John Knox Village Assisted Living-Memory Care. They will never be forgotten and cannot be thanked sufficiently.
A Celebration of Dan’s Life will be held on July 27, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Longview Mansion located at 1200 SW Longview Park Drive, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081. Dan requests that in lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation.
Condolences
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Lee's Summit, MO 64081
Dr Blackwell was a good friend and mentor to me. I joined his orthodontic practice after completion of my residency. Through my association with him, he assisted in helping adopt my two children, something that is one of the greatest gifts of my life. He also assisted me in my development as an orthodontist. He and Nancy were a big part of my success. My thoughts and prayers for Nancy, Beth, and Molly.
I was Dan’s neighbor for many years. He always had a good joke to tell and a big smile. We were both veterans and would often share stories about our time in the service. With him a Navy guy and me in the Army, the Army-Navy football game was a highly anticipated event and the source of good-natured digs throughout the year. Rest in peace, Dan.
Nancy and family ,I would like to express the extreme sorrow of the loss of my best friend through grade school and high school, Dr Dan Blackwell. He accomplished a lot of achievements during his lifetime and was always highly respected. Best wishes, Ken.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We cherish our memories of times together & the special moments with our BESH group. We will miss Dan very much but know he is at peace. May all your happy memories bring you comfort. Our Love, Syd & Stan
Jim and I are so sorry to hear the sad news about Dan. He was a friend since our high school days in North Missouri. He was a gentleman who followed his dreams. Jim remembers the nice note welcoming him to Lee’s Summit High School which Dan sent to him. He had a life well lived.
Dear Nancy and family,
I was very saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. My prayers are with you and the entire family.
Melody Balentine
My sincerest condolences to your family during this difficult time. I was very blessed to work for Dr Blackwell, his wonderful daughter, Beth, & their great partner, Dr Francois for 26 years. I was always very proud & grateful to say I worked for this fine respected practice. Dr Blackwell was such a solid fixture in the community & well loved by all, including his staff. He was a wonderful boss, & I hope he rests in peace.
Dan was a colleague, friend, business partner and one of the best men I’ve known. He was a man of character who could do the tough things with class and grace. He will be missed. My heartfelt feelings and prayers to you, Nancy, Beth and Molly. God bless.
A GREAT LOSS AN A LIFE TO BE CELEBRATED DAN WAS ONE OF FINEST PEOPLE I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING BOTH PERSONALLY AN PROFESSIONALLY HE AN HIS FAMILY ARE EXAMPLES FOR ALL TO FOLLOW AN LEARN FROM REST IN PEACE DAN AN THANK YOU DR JERRY CASH AN FAMILY
Dan was a true gentleman that was part of a generation that built Lee’s Summit and made it a great place to live.
Dear Nancy, Beth, and Molly,
Dan was a big reason I was able to have a successful start to my practice after leaving the Navy in 1987. His referrals were greatly appreciated. He was also a great guy with a good sense of humor. Perhaps Beth and Scott will remember a lunch we had at the Pizza place when the server calmly poured water into my lap. We all had a great laugh. We are very sorry for your loss and may God rest his soul.
In Memory Always,
Randy & Barbara Stone
Nancy and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
Nancy, Molly, Beth and family,
Warm hugs as you celebrate this wonderful man. He was the best!
Love always,
John, Diane, Mark, Erik and family
Dear Blackwell family,
I just recently learned that Dan had passed away. Dan was a good man and passed that goodness to all that he touched. I was fortunate to be his friend and shall cherish that for all of my days.
I offer my profound condolences to Dans family. How blessed you are to have shared his life and love.
Sincerely,
Don