Richard Gene "Dick" Blackford

Richard Gene "Dick" Blackford, 85, of Battle Creek died peacefully at Brookdale Battle Creek Assisted Living, after a long illness on Sunday, August 30, 2015.


Dick was born June 26, 1930 in Peoria, Illinois to Arthur and Vivian (Sheeley) Blackford. He grew up in Peoria, Illinois and was a graduate of Woodruff High School. He was transferred to Battle Creek in 1972 while employed for the Dolly Madison Company. Most of his life Dick was employed for various companies as a route salesman. He was also employed for ten years at Post Cereals until 1993.


Richard G. Blackford was united in marriage to the former Patricia A. Lence on August 11, 1956 in Peoria, Illinois. Surviving are his wife, Patricia; a son, Steven (Jean) Blackford of Port St. Lucie, FL; two grandchildren, Derek (Kara) Blackford, Rachel (Juan) Cano; four great-granddaughters, a brother, Robert (Virginia) Blackford of Peoria, IL; and a stepbrother, Dennis (Joann) Waldron Peoria IL. Dick was preceded in death by parents.


Dick was a member of the Lions Club, a member of the Masonic Lodge F & AM and various other masonic organizations; and he was also a volunteer fireman, in Creve Coeur, IL . Dick enjoyed model railroading and camping.


Friends will be received 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 3rd at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care,105 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Memorial services will be officiated by Deacon Hal D. Bohan at the funeral home 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Interment will follow at Banfield (MI) Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Association.