Constance J. “Connie” Blacker, 75, of rural Colfax, died November 3, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born October 24, 1948 in Clinton County to Lloyd W. & Imogene J. (Snell) Padgett. She married Duane L. Blacker on June 30, 1968 at the Colfax Christian Church and he survives.
Connie was a 1966 graduate of Clinton Prairie High School, where she participated in band and the Prairie Singers. Upon marrying Duane and starting their family, Connie was a homemaker and assisted in the farming operations from running the combine to working in the hog operation where they raised breeding stock swine for Boar Power, Inc. Connie was a bus driver for the Clinton Prairie School Corporation for over 30 years, driving in the Mulberry and Colfax areas. Connie served the Perry Township community as Trustee and Deputy Trustee for over three decades. As Trustee she was responsible for the design and building of the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Station in Colfax. She was the 1980 Clinton County Sesquicentennial Queen. She was active with her husband Duane in starting the Clinton County Antique Machinery Club and rejuvenating the Clinton County and 4-H Fair Parade in the 1980s. Connie and Duane volunteered many hours at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. Connie, Duane, and their boys also traveled many miles going to antique machinery shows at Tipton, Rushville, Portland, and the Indiana State Fair. They had a love for Massey-Harris and won many awards exhibiting their tractors. They also pulled antique tractors and on many nights, Connie beat Duane. Connie was a former member of the New Hope Church and the Kings Spirit Gospel singing group singing in multiple churches and at public events in central Indiana. She has always enjoyed singing in the choir at any church she has attended. She currently attended church at Church Alive in Lafayette with her husband Duane. Connie also enjoyed going on road trips with her good friend, Connie Basham. She was an avid Purdue Boilermakers and Clinton Prairie Gophers fan. Connie never missed a sporting, FFA, or school event involving her children or grandchildren. She was the best Mamaw! The Blacker family would also like to extend sincere gratitude and thanks to Karlie, Yesmine, and Alyssa for their love of Connie.
Connie is survived by her husband, Duane L. Blacker of Colfax, 3 sons: Jamason L (Shauna) Blacker of Colfax, Jeffrey L. (Shelly) Blacker of Colfax, Jerrad (Christina) Blacker of Frankfort, 2 brothers: Michael Padgett of Colfax, Kent A. (Tammy) Padgett of rural Frankfort, 2 sisters: Pamela (Mark) Clements of Kirklin, Bonnie L. (Randall) Sottong of Kempton, sister in law: Jackie Padgett of rural Frankfort, grandchildren: Hanna (Cam) Haynes of Colfax, Kathryn & Drew Blacker of Colfax, Brenton and Bailey Blacker of Colfax, Lauren (Justin) Martin of rural Frankfort, Jensen (Mitch) McDonald of Frankfort, Jacob & Jackson Blacker both of Frankfort, great grandchildren: Chet Haynes, Sylus & Kristina McDonald
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Jill Padgett and brother, Phillip W. Padgett.
Funeral Services:
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 9th at the funeral home. Owen Mason and Shan Sheridan will officiate. Burial will be in Plainview Cemetery, Colfax. Memorials donations may be made to Church Alive, 2401 S. 100 W., Lafayette, IN 47909. Please visit goodwnfuneralhome.com, where you may leave a condolence.