Donald “Don” Ray Blackford, age 88 of Olney, passed away on May 3, 2026, at
Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. 
Don was born on July16, 1937, at home in rural Richland County, Illinois, the son Clyde and Ruth (Monts) Blackford. 
Don married his wife Sandra Jean Wilson on October 6, 1956, and she preceded him in death on May 16, 2022.

Services will be held on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Meyer Funeral Home in Olney, Illinois.
 A visitation for family and friends will be held 1 hour prior to services at the Funeral Home.
 Private burial will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Olney Quilts of Valor or Rolling Thunder.  
Arrangements are under the care of Meyer Funeral Home in Olney. 
The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Don was a very generous person, if there was a neighbor or friend that needed help, he was there and willing to give.
 When you would see Don in public you would notice him by his Cowboy Hat, his boots and his King Edward Cigars.
 Don worked as welder and machinist for many years and retired from Bill’s Machine Shop in Olney. 
Don loved and was very proud of his farm where he raised horses and beef cattle. 
One knew when they got to his farm as you would first see his Boot Fence, he had several old pairs of Cowboy boots on top of the fence posts that lined his property. Don belonged to the White Squirrell Saddle Club for several years. He owned, rode and traded several horses over the years. When his grandchildren, nieces and nephews came around he taught them to drive his tractors. Don and his wife Sandra enjoyed their life together, raising their daughters and traveling together in their later years, with their favorite places being Nashville, Tennessee and Florida. 
They both enjoyed Square Dancing and went with friends to many dances over several years. Don proudly served his country by joining the United States Army where he served in Korea after the war, helping to rebuild and with the peace keeping efforts.
 Don belonged to the Eagles and the VFW.

Don is survived by:
daughters; Amy (Daniel) Ramsey of Indianapolis, Indiana
Bobbi Blackford of Olney, Illinois
honorary son; Billy Taylor of Harrisburg, Illinois
grandchildren; Tyler (Jenna) Blackford, Danielle Blackford, Logan (Payton) Ramsey, Caleb Ramsey
great-grandchildren; Griffin, Owen, Eli and Jade

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sandra Jean, brothers Jim and Roy, sisters Alberta and Mary
and infant brother, Kenneth