Below is a press release from the Mississippi Department of Transportation:
A section of U.S. Highway 84 in Franklin County was designated as the “Mark ‘Peanut’ Youngblood Memorial Highway” in honor of fallen MDOT worker.
On Friday, July 22, a section of U.S. Highway 84 in Franklin County was designated as the “Mark ‘Peanut’ Youngblood Memorial Highway” in honor of fallen Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) worker Mark “Peanut” Youngblood.
The memorial highway on U.S. 84 begins at one-half mile east of its intersection with Log Cabin Road and extends east to its intersection with Higginbotham Road.
“Peanut,” as he was known by all, worked in the MDOT Bude Project Office for almost 10 years. He also worked in oil, lumber, steel and gaming industries in the Franklin County area through the years. On Sept. 24, 2019, he was in a fatal accident while mowing right of way.
“Mark Youngblood enjoyed serving others and was an important part of the community,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “It’s a tragedy each time we lose an MDOT employee, and it’s especially tragic when that loss of life occurs on the job. When one member of the MDOT family passes, we all mourn. We’re proud to honor his legacy today by dedicating a section of highway to him."
The ceremony was held at the Roxie Baptist Church in Roxie. Southern Transportation Commissioner Tom King and MDOT District Engineer Albert White were among the distinguished guests who spoke at the dedication ceremony.
