Francis Donald "D.B." Blanford

Francis Donald “D.B.” Blanford, 91, of Owensboro, passed away July 6, 2024, at Carmel Home. Born November 23, 1932, in Owensboro, D.B. married Mary Bea Murphy Blanford November 26, 1953 and together they spent over sixty-six years until she preceded him in death in 2020. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and worked in many areas throughout his life, eventually retiring from Murphy Sewing Company.

A larger-than-life figure, D.B. had a personality that filled every room he entered. He earned the unofficial title of “Mayor of Carmel Home” and enjoyed watching baseball, basketball and gardening. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he was a pillar of strength and support for all of them. Also Known for his culinary skills, D.B. was renowned for his delicious BBQ chicken. A passionate gardener, many knew D.B. as the first Farmer’s Market on Westview Dr. 

D.B. was also preceded in death by his parents, Joseph L. Blanford and Mary Ulinee Hayden Blanford.; siblings, Joseph Blanford, Herbert Blanford, Eugene Blanford and Jonell Richeson and son, Jody Blanford. 

He is survived by children, Dona (Charlie) Lohman, Donnie (MaryAnn) Blanford, Suzanne (David) Gentry, and Steve (Karen) Blanford and Scott Blanford (Tyler Papineau); grandchildren, J.D. (Bethan) Cobb, Brandi Cobb, Nick Blanford, Katelyn (Alex) Mackey, Tommy (Brittney) Gentry, D.W. (Stephanie) Gentry, Patrick Gentry, Andrew Blanford, Emily Blanford, Michael Blanford, Taylor Blanford, and Cole Blanford; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly (Brad) Hamilton; daughter-in-law, Trish Blanford and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Carmel Home in Owensboro with Fr. Ray Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, Tuesday, at The Carmel Home.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the unlimited love and support the Sisters and staff at Carmel Home showed to D.B. and Mary Bea while making their “Golden Years” even more golden.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Rd., Owensboro, KY 42303.

Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.