Bernard L. Blanchard, 95, of Fredericktown passed away on Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023 at home with his wife, Martha holding his hand and family by his side. He was born on January 11, 1928 in Howard to the late Earl L. and Alice M. (King) Blanchard.
Bernard was given the nickname of Shep at a very young age. He graduated from high school in 1946 and he honorably served his country in the Army. He retired in 1986 from Columbia Gas after 33 years working in the lease and right away division. Bernard was a faithful member of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Council 847. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and loved his family. Bernard will be remembered as a good and honest man.
Bernard is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Martha (Ryan) Blanchard, whom he married on June 8, 1962; children, David (Addie) Horn, Ruth (Mark) Douglas, Mary Alice Blanchard, Jim (Cindy) Blanchard; 12 grandchildren, Erin (Jason) Bretchel, Russell (Monica) Horn, Janice (Chris) Morris, Ryan (Shelly) Wenger, Logan (Christine Ye) Wenger, Bernie (Hadleigh) Douglas, Eldon (Luna) Douglas, Marilu Holmes, Anne (Corey Lewis) Douglas, Josh (Teressa) Blanchard, Ben (Brittany) Blanchard; and Alli (Nick) Clippinger; and 19 great grandchildren with two on the way; niece and nephew, Amy and Tom Blanchard.
In addition to his parents, Bernard was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph and Clarence Blanchard; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Blanchard and a great grandson, Kaden Floyd Holmes.
The family will receive friends from 4-7p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Flowers Chapel, 619 East High St., Mount Vernon. A prayer service will follow the visitation.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Father Mark J. Hammond as the Celebrant. Burial will follow in Mound View Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks if desired to make a donation to a charity of your choice in Bernard’s memory.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Homes, Flowers Chapel is honored to serve the family of Bernard L. Blanchard.
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