Michael E. Blackford, Sr. , age 77 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023 at his home in Elwood following a brief illness.  He was born Jan. 27, 1946 in Elwood, the son of Roy K. and Eva (Anderson) Blackford, Sr.  Mike was a member of the class of 1965 of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  Mike married Dianne E. Dickey on July 17, 1965, and they shared over 58 years of marriage together.  He worked for many years as a truck driver and factory manager at both Noble Canning Co. and Red Gold, Inc.

Mike was a man of many trades through his life.  He worked as an EMT, worked with his wife at Dickey Nursing Home, owned a well-known Buffalo Farm in Elwood, operated a bait & tackle shop, and a ran a leather shop.  Mike was known as the "Buffalo Man" by many people.  He was a member of the Elwood Kiwanis Club, past president and coach with the Elwood Babe Ruth and Little League baseball programs.  Mike found great peace spending time outdoors.  He loved fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, and "Jeep'n" for many years with good friends.

Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dianne Blackford of Elwood; 4 children, Michael E. Blackford Jr. of Kokomo, Linda (husband Terry) Ballew of Texas, Jacobia (husband Rich) Bleeke of Elwood, and Benjamin (Amanda) Blackford of Elwood; sister, Dianne (husband Max) Homler of Anderson; special cousin, Dwight (wife Linda) Gardener of Oklahoma; 22 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Mike was preceded in death by his parents; 10 siblings, Norma Graham, Lela Taylor, Freda Georgel, Roy Blackford, Jr., Edward Blackford, Theodore Blackford, Billy Joe Blackford, James Blackford, Donald Blackford, and George Blackford.

A funeral service celebrating Mike's life and legacy will take place at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Virgil Leavell officiating.  Entombment will follow the service at the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am to 1 pm prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.  Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard at the Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Salute to Fallen organization through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.