MILLER, SD – Ron Blachford, 85, of Miller, friend to all, a stranger to no one, and a man with a heart of gold, went to be with his lord and savior on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at his home.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, Miller, with Will Page officiating. Burial with Masonic services will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 25, 2024, followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at First Baptist Church, Miller.

Ronald Ray Blachford was born on June 26, 1939, in Miller, SD to Raymond and Lorraine Blachford. Ron attended Ontario Country School through 8th grade before moving to Miller High School. Ron was a member of the Miller Hall of Fame and the undefeated 1956 Miller Rustler Football team. After graduating from Miller High School in 1957, Ron served his country proudly and honorably as a South Dakota National Guard member.

He married his high school sweetheart Marilyn Collins on October 29, 1957. Three children were born to this union: Ronette, Mark, and Jason. Ron and Marilyn farmed on the family homestead north of Ree Heights and moved to a farm closer to Miller in the summer of 1969. Ron and Marilyn later moved within the city limits of Miller to finish raising their family. When Marilyn passed away on May 27, 1999, the community responded with an outpouring of love and support that Ron never forgot.

Ron married Arlene Merxbauer on December 24, 2002. Ron and Arlene spent their time traveling and enjoying time with friends and their extended families. Arlene passed away on March 15, 2009, and the Miller community responded with another outpouring of love and support for Ron.

Ron was never a man to shy away from hard work. Throughout his life, Ron worked as a milkman, farmer, and ranch hand for Tex Fulton. Ron worked for Hand County before “retiring” in 2014 as the Highway Superintendent at the age of 72. Even after retirement, Ron didn’t shy away from hard work. Ron could often be found blading township roads throughout Hand County. Ron also served as a volunteer firefighter, Mason, Shriner, city councilman, and Mayor of Miller which truly showed the love Ron had for his local community.

Ron was always able to find time to enjoy his favorite hobbies. Ron could often be found caring for the flowers at home, church, and other places around Miller. Ron enjoyed watching football and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. Ron was an avid reader and could often be found with a history book in front of him on a quiet night. Ron was blessed with musical talent and would often be found entertaining family and friends while showcasing this talent. You would be hard pressed to find Ron smiling a bigger smile than when he was playing music or spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Those left to remember him include his daughters: Ronette and Vickie, sons: Mark (Belinda) and Jason (Jenny); grandchildren: Sarah (Lance), John, Keith (Brooke), and Hannah; great-grandchildren: Schelbie, Aubrey, Tanner, Bennett, Owen, and Harper: sister-in-law, Verna (Gene) Powers: special cousin, Dave (Joni) Blachford; aunt, Margaret Karrigan; beloved dog, Montana; granddog, Duke; and many cousins, and friends.

Those greeting him in Heaven include his parents; wives, Marilyn and Arlene; daughter, Deb Merxbauer; special uncles: George, Bill (Velma), and Donald (Barb) Blachford; great-uncle, Frank Blachford; brother-in-law, Peter Steckel; sister and brother-in-law, Marlene (Johnny) Blanksma; and son-in-law, Steve Stewart.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First Baptist Church of Miller or the City of Miller’s new pool fund.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Ron’s arrangements.

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