Joe died at home in Manhattan, KS on February 21, 2023, after a lifelong battle with type 1 diabetes.
He was born in Wichita, KS to Joe and Jeanne Blackford and attended Andover Schools. Joe enjoyed being a part of Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout. After attending WSU and K-State, he graduated from Emporia State with a degree in Biology. He received his teaching certificate from McPherson College and taught science at several Kansas schools.
Joe and Susan met while they were park rangers at Fall River. They eventually moved to Manhattan where he was employed at Fort Riley designing online education curriculum.
Joe loved to roam the Kansas prairies, photographing its vistas and wildflowers to share with others and quail hunting with his dog, Kanza.
Joe could hold forth on a wide variety of topics while brandishing a wicked sense of humor which will be missed by both friends and family.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Susan, their dogs Punkin and Monkey, sister Jan (Pat) Dukes, nephew Jason, and many great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with the service arrangements.