(OLNEY)  The investigation continues into a two vehicle crash that claimed the life of an Olney man – the State Police report the accident occurred at 2:13 Saturday morning on U.S. Route 50 at the intersection of Wakefield Road, about a mile west of Noble – 19 year old Brandon Blackford was driving an ATV east on Route 50 when he was struck by a westbound car, driven by Gerald Foster of Olney, who was apparently attempting to turn left onto the county road – Blackford was transported to Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, then transferred to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, where he later passed away due to injuries – Foster was ticketed for DUI / alcohol and for improper lane usage – the State Police were assisted at the accident scene by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Noble-Wakefield Fire Department.(WVLN-WSEI news-5.18.2015) . . . . . . .

Brandon Levi Blackford, 19, entered this world on August 22, 1995, weighing in at 11 pounds, 1 ounce and 24 inches long. A big boy with a big heart. Sadly, he left behind so many who love him on May 16, 2015.

Brandon graduated from St. Joseph School in 2009, and then East Richland High School in May 2013. He went on to Olney Central College where he completed his certification in Industrial Maintenance Technology. He started work for Schuetz Companies in November 2014 at a job he enjoyed. He worked several jobs in the community, and loved his time working for Runyon Landscape.

Brandon loved life. Simply put that was who he was. He never met a stranger and his smile was contagious. His sense of humor was like no other and he wanted to share that with anyone that crossed his path. If you were down or having a bad day, he felt that it was his job to call you out on it and make you feel better. He loved the outdoors. He loved riding his four-wheeler, his side by side and cruising in his truck. He loved his guns and collected things of sentimental value - things that reminded him of a time and a place. He greatly loved music - all genres. He most loved spending time with his family, his friends and his nieces. He may be gone but will never ever be forgotten.

Brandon leaves behind his parents, John and Kate Blackford. His sister, Britny Kocher and her husband Jonathan of Vandalia, Illinois. Britny and Brandon shared a bond like no other. His two precious nieces-Emerie Paige and Eyvie Lu. His grandparents, Ken and Janet Nix, whose home was Brandon's second home and he loved them deeply, along with his grandmother, Betty Blackford who he cherished. His four legged companion Daisy will miss her Brandon. Aunts and Uncles - Keith (Robyn) Nix, Florida; Kaye (George) Bunn, Virginia; and, Faye (Mike) Crane, Berryville. Special Godmother, Kim Kessler (Dan), of Ingraham, together with many Great Aunts and Great Uncles. Brandon leaves behind a group of "honorary" Aunts and Uncles who have been a huge part of his life and loved him like he was their own.  He meant so much to so many!

Brandon also leaves behind many friends. Several of which were his "brothers." Each and every friend was so important to Brandon. They called him "Blackford" a name he wore proudly.

Funeral Mass held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney and burial in St. Joseph Cemetery here in Olney.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) - Tuesday, May 19, 2015