Francis Blanchard

St. Martinville - A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in St. Martinville for Francis Blanchard, 104, who passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at his residence surrounded by his family.
The family requested that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and continue on Tuesday at 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.
A rosary was prayed on Monday by Shawn Hulin.
Rev. Ed Degeyter officiated at the Funeral Mass.  Readers were Danielle Dugas and Kailyn Nonato.   Gift bearers were Michelle Nonato, Suzette Hulin, and Alyson Champagne.
Interment followed at St. Michael Cemetery in St. Martinville.
Francis was an avid sports fan.  He enjoyed watching basketball, football, softball, and especially baseball.   He was a guard for his high school basketball team and a catcher for both his high school team and St. Joseph Abby Seminary.  He was the oldest remaining member of the St. Joseph Abby Seminary.   
Francis was a farmer for 86 years.  “Pop”, as he was known on the farm, was able to be a part of some of the amazing advances in the industry’s technology.  His career began behind a mule and a plow and ended with him seeing an eight-foot row cane harvester. 
He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even his great-great grandchildren.  Francis has touched more lives than we can count, and we will miss him dearly.
He is survived by his son, Kenneth “Tee” Blanchard and wife Suzanne of St. Martinville; daughters, Joan Blanchard of Wheatridge, Colo. and Jackie Eastin of New Iberia; 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Casere and Cecile Bernis Blanchard; wife, Mildred Blanchard; son, Floyd Blanchard; granddaughter, Vickie Blanchard; great granddaughter, Valerie Nassans; and sisters, Isabelle Molbert and Flavie Fournet.
Pallbearers were Andre Blanchard, Kent Blanchard, Paul Eastin, L.C. “Boo” Levert III, David Fuselier, and Wiley “T-Black” Theriot.
Honorary Pallbearers were his great grandchildren. 
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Elaine Bourda and family, Shelton Clay, Bryan Johnson, Amanda Fuselier, and Katie McIver for the care and compassion that was given.
Francis always spoke these words with great meaning… “Y’all didn’t just make my day, y’all made my life.”   Paw 
Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville was in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.