Ronald Dean "Duke" Blackford

Duke Blackford, age 88 of Purcell, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

Ronald Dean Blackford was born July 8, 1934 in Walkerton, Indiana, one of four Children and a twin born to Forest and Blanch (Naragon) Blackford. He was raised in the South Bend area where he attended school, graduating from Washington Clay High School with the Class of 1952. Duke served his country proudly in the United States Army. After his service, he returned to school, where he studied Animal Husbandry, graduating with his DVM from Purdue University. While in school, he met a young lady named Beverly (Voigt) Muncie. She was working for a local veterinarian, and they hit it off from the beginning. Duke married Beverly on June 17, 1966, and two families became one. In 1971, Duke and Beverly loved their horses so much, they moved to Oklahoma being the Horse Capital of the World, settling on a acreage near Blanchard. They purchased the Hemphill Pet Hospital in Norman, changing the name to Rose Rock Pet Hospital. He loved his work, and continued in the day-to-day operations until medically retiring in 1985. Duke loved anything and everything to do with horses. They later purchased acreage west of Purcell and have called it home ever since. Duke enjoyed life on the ranch.

He was a gifted musician who loved playing his guitar and singing. He was very much a people person and truly never met a stranger. He will be dearly missed!

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Beverly Blackford; daughter, Karen Muncie; grandson, Damian Muncie; parents, Forest and Blanche Blackford; twin brother, Donald Blackford and sister, Evelyn Seggerman.

Duke is survived by: his children, Brad Muncie and wife Nona Elaine of Valley View, Texas and Kurth Muncie and wife Pebble Muncie of Purcell; sister Marilyn Smith of Mishawaka, Indiana; sister-in-law, Jane Whittaker of Purcell; 4 Grandchildren, Austin Clouse of Purcell, Chase Muncie and wife Lauren of Tuttle, Ty Muncie and wife Jeri of Las Vegas and Teah Vest and husband Will of Williams, Arizona; 7 great grandchildren, Roman, Wyatt, Crosslyn, Gatlin, Emily, Olivia and Cruz; and a host of other family and friends.

A Celebration of Duke's life is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Little's Chapel, and will be livestreamed. You can view the services on our website @ www.wilsonlittle.com

Posted online on September 20, 2022

Published in South Bend Tribune

10/03/2022 EJS