Robert E. Blackford

Robert (Bob) Ernest Blackford, 88 years old, of Channahon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday December 23, 2023.

He was born in Paragould, Arkansas, on March 14, 1935, to Robert and Nora Blackford. He resided in Arkansas until moving to Illinois over 40 years ago. He enjoyed pastimes such as piloting planes, gardening and reading his Bible. He was a career electrician and proud member of IBEW Local 176 for over 46 years until retiring in 2000.

Bob was a faithful lifelong follower of Christ and a member of Cherry Hill church of Christ. He married the love of his life, Joyce, in 1985 and inherited three loving children, who remained close to him throughout his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Minnie, and his niece Vicky. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joyce, his children Tammy (Joe) Levey, Tonya (Alan) Cowan, and Tom (Kristin) Logan, as well as his grandchildren, Tasha, Melanie, Gavin, Alyssa, Amelie, and great-granddaughter Ginny. He is also survived by several nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends.

Services for Bob will be held at Cherry Hill Church of Christ on Thursday, December 28, 2023 with a visitation from 9:30am until the time of the funeral service at 11am. Bob will be laid to rest privately at Woodlawn Cemetery in Joliet.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Shults-Lewis Children's Home in Valparaiso, Indiana or Lightways Hospice in Joliet, Illinois would be greatly appreciated.