Daniel L. Blackketter

Daniel L. Blackketter, 79, of Black River, NY, and Silver Springs, FL, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the Grace Davis Hall Hospice House in Ocala, Florida. He was born on December 8, 1945, in La Harpe, Illinois, the son of Harold and Pauline (Blackwell) Blackketter  

Daniel graduated from Decatur High School in Georgia in 1964 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University in 1969.

He began his career in education in 1969 as an elementary teacher in Northwest Indiana.  He then served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1973 during the Vietnam War.  Upon his honorable discharge he returned to teaching. In 1977, he became an elementary principal in Morocco, Indiana. During that time he received his master’s degree in administration in 1981 and he went on to serve  as superintendent in 1987. He continued his work as a principal until his retirement in 2000.

In 1990, Daniel acquired a home in Florida, where he later met his beloved companion, Gay M. Hall. Together, they enjoyed spending winters in Silver Springs, Florida, and summers in Black River, New York.

Daniel is survived by his companion, Gay M. Hall, of Black River, NY, and Florida; his brothers, Richard Blackketter of Bloomington, Indiana, and Robert (Tess) Blackketter of Martinsville, Indiana; his sister, Suellen (Kent) Crane of Fishers, Indiana; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Blackketter of Bloomington, Indiana. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, William Blackketter.

Arrangements are entrusted to Bruce Funeral Home in Black River, NY. A graveside service will be held in Black River Cemetery on Saturday, May 24th at 1 p.m.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.   Online condolence may be left at www. Brucefh.com

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