Ryan Christopher Blackford

Ryan Christopher Blackford, 47, of Mexico, Indiana, passed away around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in the comfort of his home.

Born on March 25, 1977, he was the son of Russell Blackford and the late Kristine (Kessler) Preston. On April 25, 2015, he married the love of his life, Danialle Blackford, and she survives.

Ryan was a man known for his sense of humor and outgoing personality. Though in confidence he would tell you that he wasn’t always comfortable meeting new people, you would never know it. He was instantly engaging and friendly, and always witty.

Ryan was also well-known for his love of cooking, and for the delicious food he made for his beloved family and friends. Every night he had a wonderful meal prepared for his family. His food was not only always tasty and seasoned to perfection, but it was also a great source of comfort to his whole family, and it is something that they will miss forever.

Ryan was able to fix just about anything, whether it be around the house or mechanical. He even fixed the broken lights that his wife brought home from a garage sale! Ryan graduated from Motorcycle Mechanic’s Institute, Orlando, Florida, in 2005. He was always helping friends and family in need with his skills and expertise. His most recent project was fixing up a boat for himself and his family, and though he was unfortunately never able to enjoy the fruits of his labor, members of his family will be taking the boat out to the lake this summer to scatter some of his ashes.

Some of Ryan’s other hobbies included camping, fishing and going to the races.

Ryan had several mechanical occupations over the years, but for the past 12 years he was a forklift technician, eventually starting his own business, Rad Forklift Repair. Most recently while he was sick, he worked part-time for his cousin’s business, Quality Forklift Repair.

Survivors include his wife, Danialle Blackford; his son and daughter, Jacob and Alexandria Blackford; his father, Russell (Amber) Blackford, from whom he got his love of cooking and fixing things, and his sense of humor; his in-laws, Terry and Pam Saylor, and Sonny Arwood; his sisters, Hyde Heckman and Emily Deming; his sister- and brother-in-law, Brandi and Dave Mathis, whom he was very close with. Special thank you to those two, they were there for Ryan and his family the entire time in the weeks leading up to his death, even staying at home with Ryan and his family the entire time he was in hospice. Ryan is also survived by his neighbors/close friends who are more like family, Steve and Evey Paul; and his beloved dog, Marley. Ryan is survived by a host of others, including nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; cousins; and many friends.

Ryan was preceded in death by his big brother, Russell Blackford Jr., who passed away 30 years ago this July; his younger sister, Tara Miller, who passed away in 2016; his mother, Kristine (Kessler) Preston, who passed away in 2020; his maternal and paternal grandparents; his nephew, baby Riley, who passed away in 2007; and his cat, Charlotte, who passed away unexpectedly just a few days before he did (his family never told him, imagine his shock when he got to Heaven!).

A celebration of life cookout will take place from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at the Blackford residence, Mexico, Indiana. If you wish, you may bring flowers, potted plants or yard plants.

“I’m not a doctor, but I’m pretty sure if you die, the cancer also dies at exactly the same time. So that, to me, is not a loss, that’s a draw.” — Norm Macdonald

 Arrangements entrusted to Comfort Cremation, 674 N. 36^th St., Lafayette, IN  47905.  (866) U-R-Loved  www.comfortcremations.net