John Emmo, son of Emmo Acea and Olive Lucille (Smith) Blackford, was born June 22, 1931, at home in Warren County, near Norwalk, Iowa. He grew up in Norwalk and in his early teens moved with his family to Des Moines.  John worked at Younkers for a short time before, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1953.  He returned to Des Moines and worked at Diller Battery for a short time. He then started at Firestone.

   John was united in marriage with Opal Baldy on November 3, 1954, in Missouri. Three children were born to this union. After living in Des Moines, they made their home in Redfield from 1956 until 1978 when they settled in Bayard.  John retired from Firestone in 1979 after working there 22 years.

   John was a member of Church of Christ in Bayard; American Legion (Bryan Mercer Post 44), Saddle Clubs, Rubber Worker Union #310; and the Bayard Betterment Association. He operated the Bayard Community Center and served on the Board of Trustees. John was an avid collector of deer and Indian pictures and enjoyed tending to his hogs and calves. Over the years, John and Opal cared for Opals sister Willie Davis and his mother Olive Blackford.

   John had suffered a number of health problems over the years. With the help of his family he was able to remain at home where he died on June 30, 2008. He was 77 years and 8 days of age.    

   Preceding John in death are his parents; wife; sister Virginia Simmons and sister-in-law Willie Davis.

   He is survived by his three children: Marvel and husband Doug Benedict of Bagley; Rocky Blackford and wife Tana of New Virginia; and John Blackford, Jr. and wife Gayla of Caryville, Florida; three grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; four brothers: Jack Blackford and wife Martha of Des Moines; Robert Blackford and wife Rita of DeSoto; Jerry Blackford of Bagley; and Tom Blackford and wife Nina of Des Moines; one sister Donna and husband Frank Montenquis of Des Moines; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.