Carl Patrick Blackford

June 16, 1928 - October 17, 2017

Carl Patrick Blackford, age 89, of Albia, passed away October 17, 2017 with his wife Vicci by his side at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia, Iowa. Carl was born June 16, 1928 to Homer Sr. and Eloise (Keiler) Blackford in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up and attended school at Dowling High school. Carl joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country during World War II. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Hall and to this union 5 children were born, Mike, David, Jim, Dan and Carla. Carl and Marjorie later separated. He was united in marriage to Vicci (McCoun) and gained 5 step daughters whom he treated as his own. Carl and Vicci shared 34 years of marriage together. Carl was a truck driver for Boss Trucking in United Buckingham, Ringsby, before owning and operating his own company, Black Hawk Trans., where he enjoyed working with his sons. He was an avid member of the Union Member #147 and was on the Board of Trustees for 17 years and occasionally rubbed elbows with his friend, Jimmy Hoffa. Carl had a love for life, never knew a stranger and was blessed with the gift of gab. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and piddling around on the farm. He was loved dearly will be missed by his family. He is survived by his wife, Vicci Blackford of Albia; his children, Mike of Kingman, AZ, Jim of Waco, TX, Dan (Deanna) of Albia and Carla (Terry) of Stover, MO; step-daughters, Kerri, Kim, Kelli, Tish and Amy; a sister, Becky Solen; six grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 22 step-grandchildren and 14 step great grandchildren. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Sr. and Eloise; four siblings, Homer Jr., Mary, Judy and Marylin; a son, David and a great grandchild, Matt. We’ll miss you sweetheart, rest well, I love you, Vic. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2017, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Father Mike Volkmer C.PP.S. officiating. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia and Melrose following the service. Per Carl’s wishes his body will be cremated and a private family burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, October 22, 2017 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Carl’s family present from 4-6 p.m. A memorial has been established to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.