MELVIN M. BLACKFORD

Services for Melvin Marvin Blackford, who passed away Sunday, April 7, 2019, will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 2019 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial following in the North River Cemetery, rural Norwalk.

Melvin was the son of Clell and Bernice Blackford. He graduated from Indianola High School.  Melvin married his soulmate Jane Ott on August 23, 1969 at the Indianola First United Methodist Church.  This union created a mutual passion for farming and family.

Melvin began working for Godwin Brothers doing carpentry and building new homes. He then was employed for 13 years by Massey Ferguson in Des Moines painting tractors, until the plant closed in 1980. After the plant closure Melvin dedicated his life to pursuing his dream of farming.  Being a dedicated farmer included eating lunch with Jane. He would pick her up at the office for their daily lunch date. The two of them were inseparable.

Melvin along with friends and family built the home where they currently reside. He and Dr. Bob Loerke dreamt and designed the home to make it a reality.

Melvin enjoyed taking private passenger airplane lessons.  He also enjoyed working on the farm and the machinery.  There wasn't anything Melvin couldn't figure out or repair.

Although Melvin was a homebody and loved relaxing at the farm, he enjoyed taking family vacations to: CO., Branson, Black Hills, and Yellowstone.  The next outing was currently in discussions. He enjoyed nature and being outside.  Melvin and Jane planted approximately 100 pine trees/shrubs in one year.

Melvin loved attending his granddaughters dance, baton, and sporting events.  He was one of their biggest cheerleaders. He was always up for giving his grandpuppies and granddaughters Gator rides. Melvin had a mischievous side that loved to tease the ones who meant the most to him.

Melvin filled many roles; husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, friend, hero, and a true classic. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by wife Jane; children Carolyn Blackford, Andrew (April) Blackford; grandchildren, Makenzie and Hailey Blackford; three sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Clell and Bernice Blackford and an infant sister.

Visitation will be held prior to services from noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Indianola FFA.