Larry J. Blanchard Sr.

St. Martinville - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville for Larry Jude Blanchard, Sr. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 7:30 am until 12:30 pm on Tuesday. A rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am on Tuesday. Rev. Rusty P. Richard will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Reader will be Jade Olivier. Gift bearers will be his grandchildren. A private burial will follow at St. Michael Mausoleum in St. Martinville. Holy Mackerel!, Eh-p-boy!, and That’s my boy/girl! are a few words often spoken by the Saint Martinville native, Larry Jude Blanchard, Sr. He died comfortably in his home at the age of 76 on Saturday, April 27, 2019 following an extended illness. Mr. Blanchard was a jovial character with a passion for hunting and fishing. His grandchildren enjoyed sharing their passion for films and describe him as “tenacious, nice, disciplined, good, someone to emulate, compassionate, and knowledgeable because he knew a lot of stuff.” They enjoyed sitting on his lap by the back window and looking out into the yard to see what animals they could find; and exploring in the yard to pick all of the fruits and vegetables in his garden. His children describe him as accepting of others, and a pure man who always knew exactly what to say to make one feel more at ease. He never complained regardless of the suffering encountered. He accepted every change in life, good or bad, with dignity and in a way that others respected. He will be greatly missed, and we all look forward to our reunion with this wonderful soul. Larry was a man of unshakable faith and character, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to everyone. He was a generous man, who created stability and a loving environment for many fortunate enough to be in his life. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail (Albert) Blanchard; his son, Larry J. Blanchard, Jr and his wife, Nancy; his daughters, Sarah Verret and her husband, Willie, Lana Blanchard, and Crystal Blanchard Yoes; five grandchildren, Brienne, Kellie, Will, Noah, and Mason; his sister Sherry Guillot, and her husband Alfred; Sister-in-Law Lorice Blanchard; and numerous family members and friends. Larry was the son of Vincent and Mozella (Mazel) Blanchard, and was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jerry Blanchard and Gary Blanchard (Pat); and his honorary sister, Catan Dauphine. In his early years, Larry enjoyed building model airplanes, and assisting his father with carpenter work. After graduating from St Martinville High School in 1961, he enlisted into the United States Navy, where he served to preserve our way of life until being honorably discharged. Larry served on the USS Diamond Head AE19 attaining the rank of Petty Officer second class where he fulfilled duties as “The Oil King”. He and Gail were married in 1966 at St Martin de Tours Catholic Church. After serving with the Navy, Mr. Blanchard worked as a Foreman with Freeport McMoRan where he retired after 26 years of service. He not only took pride in his work, but truly cherished the friends he made during his career. Pallbearers will be Larry J. Blanchard Jr., Willie Verret III, Willie Verret IV, Eric Blanchard, Zachary Olivier, and Roy Albert. Honorary pallbearers will be Alfred Guillot, Ray Blanchard, Ray Hulin, and Brody Albert. Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville, 112 New Market St., St. Martinville, LA 70582, (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com