Gerald J. Blackford

Jerry Blackford, age 73, died peacefully on Saturday, April 28, shortly upon arrival at the Eaton Community Palliative Care. Jerry was surrounded by his loving family as he was freed of a 6 year struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. The son of Hazen Lee and Josephine Blackford, he was born in Mt. Clemons and resided most of his life in East Detroit. After graduating in 1956 from East Detroit H.S., Jerry attended MSU prior to his marriage to Marlene Schuette, his devoted wife and best friend. They celebrated their 50 year wedding anniversary last June. After 37 years of employment, Jerry retired from TRW Automotive in 1996. After retirement, he and Marlene moved from East Detroit to the serene rural area of Mason, MI in 1996. Jerry was an avid fan of the MSU Women's basketball program. Despite declining health, he and Marlene attended all the team's home games and the coach's weekly radio programs. He also enjoyed golf and bowling. Before becoming too sick to travel, Jerry was always ready for a road-trip anywhere, anytime, including to his granddaughter's soccer games and musical recitals; gathering pumpkins and veggies in the northern thumb area; eating chicken in Frankenmuth; going to Detroit's Eastern Market for flowers and snacks; or feeding coins to casino slot machines. Jerry never met a stranger, bakery or ice cream parlor that he didn't like. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his only sibling, Richard Blackford of Florida. He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; daughters Paula (John) Nixon of Grosse Pointe and Pamela (Michael) Pluff of Willow Spring, North Carolina; and his cherished granddaughter, Annika Nixon. In addition to many nieces and nephews, Jerry leaves only one cousin, Joyce Palazzo and her family. The family extends special thanks to Dr. John Armstrong, pulmonary specialist, and sends a multitude of hugs and kisses to Nurse Beth from Heartland Hospice and Homecare. Their services were exceptional. The family visitation for relatives and friends will be on Tuesday, May 1 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 621 S. Jefferson, Mason. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 2, at 11 am. Per Jerry's final wishes, cremation will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice Homecare, 865 S. Cedar St., Mason, MI 48854 or to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.grbdmason.com.