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Archie L. Blackford
Archie L. Blackford
Robins
Archie L. Blackford, 89, of Robins, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Hallmar Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A private graveside service with full military honors will be held at Lafayette Cemetery in rural Alburnett, Iowa. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion, Iowa, is assisting the family.
Archie was born on April 23, 1933, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Homer Paul and Dorothy Mae (Chrisman) Blackford. He was a 1952 graduate of Alburnett High School. Archie went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Army, from 1953 to 1955, during the Korean conflict. On June 23, 1963, Archie was united in marriage to Rose M. Groth in Alburnett. He worked as an Assembly Operator for Collins Radio for 37 years. Archie was an amateur radio operator for many years with the call sign KFØOP. He was a member of the Collins Amateur Radio Club and the Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club. He enjoyed playing the mandolin and guitar for many years, and loved bluegrass music. Archie and Rose enjoyed wintering in Port Arkansas, Texas, for many years. He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. Archie was a gentle man and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Archie is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Rose Blackford of Robins; son, David Blackford of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Anne (Joel) Zabokrtsky of Fairfax, Iowa; two grandchildren who were very dear to him, Blaine and Amelia Zaborkrtsky; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Darwin Blackford.
Memorials in Archie’s memory may be directed to either the Robins Fire Department, Camp Courageous or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Archie’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Mercy Hallmar Care Center and Mercy Hospice for the excellent care given to Archie. The family is also grateful for the concern and support from their neighbors and good friends.
Please share a memory of Archie at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
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