Paul Wesley Blackford, 87, and long standing Snohomish and Aberdeen resident passed away on Sept. 24, 2022, at his home.

Paul was born on Aug. 21, 1935, to parents Benjamin Curtis and Ann Lee (Elkins) Blackford in Bloomington, Illinois. The family resided in Bloomington for the next 10 years, then moving to Snohomish County at the urging of his father Ben, originally born in the Washington area. Paul graduated from Snohomish High School in 1953 but cherished his Cathcart graduation and friends. After graduation, he joined the Army. He was stationed out of Fort Lewis as an infantryman. Succeeding his contract, and earning an honorable discharge, Paul began working for Boeing as a specialist in engineering and security for the next 35 years. Paul retired at the age of 57, and moved to Aberdeen, Washington to take care of his mother.

Paul enjoyed all outdoors and his numerous family camping, hunting and fishing trips. He also had an appreciation for traveling, all due to his service and Boeing deployments. He traveled the world happily!

Paul is preceded in death by his mother and father; brother Harry Lee Blackford; and his son Douglas Steven Blackford.

Paul is survived by his two daughters: Sheryl Lynne Blackford of Aberdeen, Washington and Linda Denise Blackford of Wickenburg, Arizona; five grandchildren: Apryl Lynne Blackford, Kaliey Dawn Tetrick, Breanna May Tetrick, Wesley Benjamin Blackford and Krystal Marie Blackford; and two great-grandchildren: Dominic Evan and Dylan Alxander Simpson, sons of Apryl Blackford.

An inurnment ceremony will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at 12 p.m. located at the Grand Army of the Republic G.A.R. Cemetery on 8601 Riverview Road, Snohomish, Washington. He bought 48 plots for his family to always be near him. Everyone is welcome anytime! Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.