Clark Boyd Blackford

Clark Boyd Blackford, affectionately known as "Papa," left us on May 17, 2025, in his beloved Toledo, Ohio, Born on March 24, 1949, Clark was a man who truly embodied joy, good-natured jest, and the keen ability to make anyone laugh—even if the joke was occasionally at their expense.

As a Heavy Equipment Operator and a treasured member of Local 18, Clark wasn’t just a professional with exceptional skills; he was a warrior on the worksite, maneuvering bulldozers like they were toy trucks. He took immense pride in knowing that those heavy machines contributed to the landscapes around him. Yet, it’s curious that the same man so adept at moving mountains had little liking for games, particularly Christmas-themed ones (perhaps he was saving up all his competitive spirit for the racetrack).

Clark spent much of his time having fun on camping trips, racing motorcycles and BMX bikes, and watching NASCAR while surrounded by family. There might have been moments when his family thought he was taking his teasing too far—such as the infamous day he decided a dollar pair of gloves needed a knife and a ripping session—but every prank ended with hearty laughter, reinforcing his well-known title of “Funny Jokester.”

An animal lover to the core, he had a soft spot for strays, especially cats and squirrels. Many memories were made with him feeding the local squirrel population, who probably considered him an honorary member of their furry clan. There won’t be a day that goes by without fondly remembering him playing with his beloved cat, Kassie, who he swears knows all his secrets (and probably a few hilarious stories about his racing escapades).

In between the races and his impressive feats—like earning multiple holes-in-one on the golf course and becoming a champion arm wrestler—Clark found happiness in the simple things. Whether it was spending time with his family at the post, enjoying a round of golf, or taking leisurely trips on his Harley motorcycles, he always focused on what mattered most.

He is survived by his loving sons, Kenny (Beth) Blackford and Clark (Nicole) D. Blackford; cherished grandchildren, Alex, Erin, Ashley, and Hailey; and bright-eyed great-grandchildren, Zander, Aiden, Brantley, Zoey, Alayna, and Kylee. Also left to celebrate his life is his brother, Ray (Cathy) Blackford; sister, Sue (Cash) Beechler; cousin, Judy Creque Curtis Governo; and many distant squirrels who will certainly miss his generous snacks.

Though Clark has joined his wife, Debbie Lee Blackford (Ehrsam), his parents, Leonora “Joy” Blackford and Boyd “Babe” Blackford, and other loved ones who left before him, we are left to smile through the tears—the ultimate testament to his life as a beloved prankster and family man. May he rest in peace, knowing he raised the bar for humor and love so much higher than any trophy on the shelf ever could.