Todd Austin Blackard, a compassionate and humorous individual, said his final farewell on September 28, 2023, in Greenville, Texas. He was born on August 26, 1961, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Todd’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of others led him to pursue a career as a Personal Trainer, where he positively impacted numerous lives. Todd deeply valued physical fitness and encouraged others to achieve their highest potential. His passion for helping people transform their lives through exercise motivated him every day.
Upon meeting Todd, one couldn’t help but be drawn to his welcoming nature and caring demeanor. He was a kid at heart, especially with his niece and nephew during their younger years. Todd’s love of our Lord Jesus Christ was evident to everyone he met and brought joy to every person who had the privilege of meeting him. He was not shy about sharing his faith with family, friends, and total strangers and the beauty of Christ shone brightly from his face. Todd was a professional model in his early years and had just signed a contract to model again which is a testament to his handsomeness and fit physique. Although he could turn heads in any room he entered, it was not his handsomeness that people remembered. It was his beautiful nature filled with the Holy Spirit that left a lasting impression.
When he wasn’t at the gym helping his clients reach their fitness goals, Todd indulged in a few hobbies that brought him immense pleasure. He had just received his first passport and had plans to travel to Paris and England in the first weeks of November. Live music was another passion of Todd’s; he had concert tickets to see Billy Idol in Las Vegas in two weeks and upon return from that trip had tickets to see Mercy Me, his favorite Christian band. An adrenaline junkie at heart, he also enjoyed the thrill of motocross racing, scuba diving, and bungee jumping all in his younger years..
Todd will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Cindy Blackard, who stood by his side throughout all of his recent surgeries. Although they had only known one another for 19 months and married for 15 months, they were soul mates in every way. Their bond was unbreakable and filled with love and understanding. Together they had plans to continue on their walk with Christ and grow old together with unconditional love as they were loved by Father God.
He leaves behind his loving son Seth and his wife Emily Blackard who had recently married. Seth was the pride and joy of his life and not a day went by that he didn’t lift his son up in prayer. Todd embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly and was blessed to raise his stepdaughter Sarah Carrasco-Robertson from the age of 3 years old. Additionally, Todd was getting to know his wife’s daughter Maricela Aquino, her husband Jose, and their 22-month-old daughter Anarosa as well as his wife’s son Tony Metraux.
Todd’s passing has left an immeasurable void in the lives of his immediate family members. His father and mother James and Morine Blackard, older brother Jock and sister-in-law Alicia and younger brother Robb and wife Chanpheng Blackard, niece Leslie Blackard, nephews Stephen, Zachary, and Caleb Blackard, and aunt Jetta Martin are grieving the loss of a remarkable individual who brought light to their lives.
In addition to his family, Todd leaves cherished memories with his deceased grandparents William and Joyce Blackard and Merle and Lois Sparkman from Clarksville, AR. Their influence shaped his character and instilled in him values of kindness and empathy that he carried throughout his life.
Friends will gather to pay their respects during the Visitation service at Peters Funeral Home in Greenville, Texas on Thursday, October 5, 2023. The visitation will commence at 6:00 PM and conclude at 8:00 PM.
To honor Todd’s memory and celebrate his life, a Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023. The service will take place at Peters Funeral Home in Greenville, Texas starting at 10:00 AM. Friends and family are invited to join together as they reflect on the immeasurable impact Todd had on their lives.
Todd Austin Blackard will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His unwavering kindness, genuine care for others, and ability to share his love of Jesus even in difficult times will forever be remembered. As we bid farewell to Todd, let us carry forward the valuable lessons he taught us about living life with compassion, staying healthy and most importantly his faith in Father God. May his soul find eternal peace.
