Abel Blanchard

Breaux Bridge - Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Pellerin Funeral Home Chapel in Breaux Bridge, for Abel Blanchard, 94, who passed away on Monday, March 12, 2012. Fr. Ed Degeyter will officiate at the funeral service. Scriptures will be read by Karen Hebert. Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery No. 2 in Breaux Bridge. Mr. Blanchard was born on May 21, 1917 in the community of Grand Bois, Louisiana. He was one of fifteen children born to the union of Elina Robert and Paulin Blanchard, Sr. Abel was, what anyone would consider, a 'true farmer' - he was a cattle, dairy and sugarcane farmer, and raised various other livestock, as well. Survivors include his wife, Edith Derousselle of Grand Bois; five sons, Lee Roy 'T-Neg' Blanchard, Leland and his wife, Amiee Frederick Blanchard, Howard 'Black' Blanchard, Whitney and his wife, Faye Castille Blanchard, and Carrol Blanchard, all Grand Bois; a nephew whom he raised, Harris 'Chawee' Guidry of Grand Bois; a brother, Leon Blanchard of Breaux Bridge; three sisters, Alana Belaire of Grand Bois, Elise Wiltz, and Ozaia Theriot, both of Breaux Bridge; 20 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; and 22 great-great grandchildren; and a special friend who was also his chauffer, barnyard and garden helper, and his right-hand man, Francis 'Boy' Gallagher. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Edna Guidry; a son, Abel 'Jim' Blanchard; his grandson, Torrey Blanchard; three great grandchildren, Brylin Blanchard, Bailey Bernard, and Brandon Broussard; three daughters-in-law, Betty Hollier, Rita Melancon, and Judy Cormier; five brothers, Drozin, Paulin, Jr., Robert, Leo and Allen Blanchard; five sisters, Solange Blanchard, Marie Landry, Eunice LeBlanc, Lota Frug, and Noalie Guidry. The family requests that visiting hours be observed from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Wednesday and continue on Thursday at 8 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Dwarren Olivier, Coby Blanchard, Karl Blanchard, Jake Melancon, Dean Blanchard, and Jordan Addison. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and Francis "Boy" Gallagher.The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Debra Durham, Dr. Marelle Yongue and her husband, Gary Schoelerman, and the doctors and staff of Hospice of Acadiana, for their constant care and attention given to Abel during his time of need. Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and , go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com