Gerald R. Blackford
April 17, 1942 ~ July 27, 2021
Gerald R. Blackford, 79, Retired State Farm Insurance Agent, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Gerald was a graduate of Garden City High School and Southwestern College. He was an avid golfer and fisherman who truly loved being with his family and friends. Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 31, 2021, at East Heights United Methodist Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Lois Blackford; brother-in-law, Rev. Harry Fink. Survived by his wife, Lusetta "Lu" A. Blackford; sons, Mark (Susan) Blackford, Kent (Carrie) Blackford, both of Leawood, KS, Jay (Irene) Blackford of Suzhou, China; sisters, Barbara Fink of Omaha, NE, Janet (Carl) Metzger of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren, Joanna, Matthew, Nicholas, Katelyn, Jonathan, Bella, and Ben Blackford. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: First Tee Greater Wichita, P.O. Box 8313, Wichita, KS 67208; Boy Scouts of America - Quivira Council, 3247 N. Oliver Ave., Wichita, KS 67220; East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67218. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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When we moved to Wichita in 1972 and Gerald was to come to our home for insurance matters, he presented himself to my wife at the front door as a used magazine salesman. He really had her on her heals. She recalled that today after all those passing years. Also he never missed sending me a birthday card even after we moved out of his agency in 1974! That continued up until his retirement. Will always remember him as a friend and will miss my ole friend! Galen Shields
Lu, Mark, Kent and Jay I don’t need to tell you how many people thought of your dad as a good friend. Rob and I both treasured him. He was one of my closest friends. I could talk to him about anything. One of our children had a heavy foot in the car. Mr Blackford came and gave her “The Talk”. After that all the kids talked about being afraid of having Mr Blackford come and give them “the talk”. And the boys (Rob, Ron and Gerry) went on a ski trip every year. Rob and Ron used to drink. A lot. Gerald made sure they all lived. And of course none of us wives ever heard anything about the trip. I will miss him more than you know. But as with the other people I have lost, I am so grateful for all years he was my friend. You all are in my prayers. Karen Wilkins
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Blackford family. Gerald was a long time friend who I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with every year when he would call me on my birthday saying it was Ed Rust! What a character! Gerald was a role model as a State Farm agent who always did the right thing. RIP my friend and keep it in the fairway! John Ramsey
In the days before Facebook, one could always count on receiving birthday wishes from Gerald, always. And he always had kind things to say. What a great friend we have lost today…
Lu and family….many many great memories of a man that had a sophomoric sense of humor which kept everyone on their toes and smiles on their faces!!! “back in the day” one of the highlights of his day was delivering donuts to all realtors/businesses which I thought was genius 🙂 Straight shooter, and would give the shirt off his back. I still use my pepto bismol pink putter he gave me for my birthday in 1990 (its now called retro and back in style!!) You will be missed by many Gerald. May peace be with you all. Love and hugs Janet Schutter & family
Lu, boy and grandchildren, I know the you will miss your husband, father and “POPS”. Gerald was a special guy. I will always have fond memories of all our golf trips. the trips to Scottsdale will always be special, “JOSE” would always have reservations for the best restaurants. then the golf in Quebec Canada will always be special, I mistakenly played Gerald’s ball, heaven forbid, then I was talking in his back swing, double heaven forbid. then my team would tell me that Ed Rust was on the phone for me, it would be Gerald. then i always receive a call on my birthday and on my first granddaughter’s birthday. Gerald was very special I will miss him as i know that you will as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, i am so sorry that i have a prior commitment and I will not be able to attend Gerald’s memorial service. Harlan
Gerald was a friend to everyone and would call you on your birthday. He was a great State Farm agent and such a generous person. Our prayers are with his family and will be missed greatly. John Wills
I was sorry to hear about the passing of Gerald. I got to know Gerald at Terradyne C.C. where we shared something in common, the passion for golf. We had many discussions about golf and the greatness of the game. He would always take a moment and chat when he played through, Gerald liked to rid and I enjoy walking. I would always see him coming and knew it was a matter of time before he caught me and passed me. He played ready golf! It had been a while since I had seen him on the golf course and missed our friendly chats. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will missed by all of his golfing buddies….
Gerald was our “older” cousin, and the reliable herald of birthdays who never left a voice mail. Following in his father’s footsteps, he showed his caring by helping people plan for the bumps in the road of life. Truly a “mensch”. May his memory always be a blessing.
As friends of Jay for +20 years, and as the parents of a now 15-year-old who adored Gerald when we visited Wichita years ago, we mourn the passing of Gerald and will think of him fondly as the man running around the golf course with our son, much to his delight. Our heartfelt condolences, Kyle, Kirsten, and Cade Nelson.
Matthew 22:37-39 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Gerald loved and honored his God and his fellow man. So sorry for your loss. It is our prayer that treasured memories and the eternally true promises of our Lord and Savior will comfort the family in the months ahead. We will miss our friend . . .
I was so sorry to learn of Gerald’s passing. I became acquainted with him through tournaments and course ratings in my work at Central Links Golf. His smile and spirit were infectious, and he enjoyed life and golf to the fullest. My condolences and prayers are with you.