Dr. Philip R. Blackford, 95, of Brookings, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, at the Neighborhoods at Brookview.  A private family memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, beginning at 11:00 A.M.  The service will be live streamed on the Eidsness Funeral Home website for those wishing to view from home.

Philip was born on August 2, 1925 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Albert and Maud (Larson) Blackford.  He graduated from South High School in Minneapolis at age 17, attended Hamline University until age 18 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp, serving from December 1943 until February of 1946.  After military service, he graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1951.  He married Jacquelin Morem on June 21, 1952 in Spring Valley, Minnesota.  They made their home in Brookings where he practiced dentistry until his retirement in 1997.

Philip was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brookings, a life member of the SD Dental Association, member of the American Legion, Brookings Masonic Lodge, BPO Elks, Brookings Country Club and the El Riad Shrine.

He enjoyed weekends at Lake Poinsett for over 50 years. He loved cars, especially vintage cars.  For many years, he looked forward to his Wednesday golf and dinners with his golfing friends.  He was proud of and loved his family.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jacquelin, and three daughters, Nancy (Charles) Van Dyke of St. Louis, MO, Barbara (Robert) Jones of Brookings, and Patricia Erickson (Ronald Wheeler) of Huron, SD.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, Nancy (Jason) Freeze of Victor, ID, Mary Frances (Gardner) Knight of Los Angeles, CA, David (Tasha) Jones of Brookings, Matthew (Paige) Jones of Brookings, Elizabeth (Kevin) Jakuc of Edina, MN, and Ann Erickson (Robert Rodby) of Minneapolis, MN, as well as nine great-grandchildren.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Blackford.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the caring staff of The Neighborhoods at Brookview.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to:

First United Methodist Church of Brookings
625 5th St
Brookings, SD 57006      Or Online Donation to First United Methodist Church

The Neighborhoods at Brookview Activities Department
2421 Yorkshire Drive
Brookings, SD 57006