Delores M. Blackford

Delores M. (Tarrant) Blackford, 89, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.
Delores was born in Evansville, Indiana on January 17, 1936 to the late Cecil and Katie (Shiver) Tarrant. She married her husband, Perry, on her 17th birthday - January 17, 1953, while he was serving in the Army at Fort Benning, GA. After Perry's service in the Army, the two settled back in Evansville on Orchard Road to start their family. Delores worked at Shanes Manufacturing for nine years, and in her free time enjoyed working in her flower garden and watching Jimmy Swaggart. Throughout her life, Delores volunteered her time and contributed to the community. In her younger years, she was involved in politics with her lifelong friend, Jeanette. The two were instrumental in getting German Township its own water supply. Delores also established three food banks at local churches, served on the auxiliary at the German Township Volunteer Fire Department, and in her later years worked for Task which helped make and distribute lunches to the elderly at St. Paul's United Church of Christ German Township. Above all, Delores loved her family dearly and cherished her grandchildren who knew her as "Dode."
Delores' strongest, most-lasting legacy was her faith. She laid a foundation of faith which she built her family on and instilled in them as they grew up. Delores believed and lived by the word of God. She loved sharing the gospel with others and leading people to Christ. Delores's unwavering faith and love for the Lord will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Delores is survived by her children, Mona (Blackford) Murray, Perry Blackford, Jr. (Lisa), and Sherry Jones (Steven); grandchildren, Ryan Murray (Elizabeth), Layne Michael Jones (Hayley), Dalton Jones (Cheyanna), Donnie Jones, Brittany LeClair (Will), and Heather, Jessica, and Sammy Aubin; great-grandchildren, Syra Mae, Skyler Eugene, Atlas, Juniper, Oliver, Julian, Tripp, Jace, and Liam; nieces and nephews, Pam, Billy, and Cil Wardrip, Kalen and Ellie Mae Fuchs; and lifelong friend, Jeanette.
Delores was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Perry Blackford; parents; sister, Mae Wardrip; half sisters, Reba Harrell and Edith Kahre; and beloved dog, Rascal.
A celebration of Delores' life will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711, with her son-in-law, Pastor Steven Jones officiating. For those unable to attend, you may live stream Delores's service by going to www.browningfuneral.com/live-stream/newpage. Burial will follow at St. Paul's United Church of Christ German Township.
Friends may visit from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Browning Funeral Home and again from 10:30 am until service time on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Dot Com, 135 Locust St., Evansville, IN 47708.
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Mark Browning, Dr. V. Yelamanchili, Dr. Stephen Koewler, and Heart to Heart Hospice for all their exceptional and compassionate care. The family would also like to thank Dr. Ward Neff for his care of Delores as well as his long term care of Perry.