Scott Christopher Blackford Sr.

Scott Christopher Blackford, Sr.

January 27, 1968 – May 8, 2026

Scott Christopher Blackford, Sr., 58, of Runnells, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on May 8, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family and "yellow dog." Cancer may have taken his body, but it never took his courage or strength.

Born on January 27, 1968, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, to John Sim Blackford Jr. and Lois Jean (McGregor) Blackford, Scott’s early years were spent on a farm "down south" until his father became ill. He later moved to Boise, Idaho then to Seattle, Washington with his mother, where he developed a lifelong love for the Pacific Northwest, before moving back to Iowa. He often spoke fondly of the mountains and the Space Needle, having spent his childhood playing in rivers and exploring the great outdoors.

Scott was a heavy equipment operator who truly loved his craft. He began his career working for his Uncle Paul before moving to Budget Lube. He later dedicated 25 years to Detrick Excavating before embarking on his own business adventures, remaining self-employed until his passing. As his family says, "He played in the dirt all of his life “and there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

On November 7, 2013, Scott married Susan (Morlan) Blackford. Together, they enjoyed life on their land, where Scott could often be found by his pond, fishing, hunting, or simply enjoying the wildlife. For many years, his weekends were spent at the motocross track with his family.

A man of deep convictions, Scott was incredibly patriotic. He was a fervent supporter of Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan, and he had hoped to one day visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California and Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
His home was often filled with the sound of country music cranked to full volume. He had a signature move: he’d suddenly turn the music down to quiz whoever was nearby on the name of the singer—moments his family will carry with them forever. A massive fan of John Wayne and old-school westerns, Scott often joked that he was "the last John Wayne in this town."

To the world, Scott was stubborn, strong, and stuck in his ways. He hated showing weakness or pain and carried more than most people ever knew. But beneath that "tough guy" exterior was a man who would help anyone he loved without a second thought—a true softy for the people who meant the most to him.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny S. Blackford, Jr. and Lois Jean Blackford; his father-in-law, Fairel Morlan; brother-in-law, Brian Lazar; son-in-law, Barry Robb; step granddaughter; Vivian Powell.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Blackford; his children, Angela Stotler, Shelby Dougherty (Blackford) and son-in-law Matt Dougherty and Scott (Samantha) Blackford Jr.; and his stepchildren, Bryan (Melissa) Powell, Kyle (Michelle) Powell, Sarah Robb, and Megan (Brandon) Summers.

He is also the proud grandfather of Tinley, Tymberlyn, Owen, Hank, Kent, Ezra; step-grandchildren, Camron, Taylor, Neveah, Aaliyah, Hunter, Brayan, Kieley, Diesel, Collin, Spencer, and Brecken. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Helen Masimore; his siblings, John (Kris) Blackford III, Lisa Pinegar, Susan Lazar, and Jill (Ron) Janeczko; nieces, Brandi and Brenna; nephews, Tyler, Derick, Justin, John, Shane, Stephen, Ethan, and Jake and many friends.

A visitation will be held from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Baqara Reclaimed (1168 SE 64th Avenue, Runnells, IA). A memorial service will follow immediately at 6:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center in Scott's name.

Services in Care of Peterson’s Funeral Home ~ Carlisle~