Henderson – A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church for Willis Blanchard, 69, who passed away on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Louisiana Extended Care Hospital in Lafayette.

A rosary was recited on Friday evening.

Fr. Keith Landry officiated at the Funeral Mass. The scriptures were read by Burline Scrantz.

Interment followed at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery.

Willis was a commercial fisherman who loved to crawfish. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved nature, most especially the Atchafalaya Basin. Willis was a devout fan of the New Orleans Saints and the L.S.U. Tigers.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Bergeron Blanchard of Henderson; his son, Weylin (Nichole) Blanchard; two daughters, Tracey Blanchard and Shelly (Gary) Vincent; his brothers, Allen (Cindy) Blanchard, James “Toro” (Judy) Blanchard, Charles (Elsie) Blanchard, Durphy (Louella) Blanchard, Murphy Blanchard, John Blanchard, Joel Blanchard and Wilton Walker (who was raised like a brother to him); his sisters, Margaret (Ronnie) Daigle and Helen (Paul) Simon; his sister-in-law, Debbie Blanchard; his brother-in-law, Lennis Bellot; and three grandchildren, Cory (Brittany) Lagrange, Cole Blanchard and Curri Blanchard.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Malvina Latiolais Blanchard; his brother, Nolan Blanchard; and his sister, Grace Bellot.

Pellerin Funeral Home of Henderson was in charge of arrangements.

To view on-line obituary and sign guestbook, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.

(Pd.Adv.)