Clarence "Bell" Blanchard

Clarence “Bell” Blanchard, 90, entered peacefully into the heavenly gates while at home early in the morning of February 5, 2016 after a short battle with cancer. Clarence’s devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him throughout his life on earth and ultimately gave him peace in Heaven.

Clarence was born to the late Joseph Blanchard and Amy Chauvin Blanchard in the Atchafalaya Basin of Bayou Chene, LA on January 14, 1926, a birthday he proudly shared with his granddaughter, Claire Elizabeth. Clarence earned his diploma from Biloxi High School (MS) but did not attend his graduation in order to fulfill his enlistment requirement. A World War II veteran, Clarence served the United States Navy for three years beginning on his 18th birthday, January 14, 1944 until May 23, 1946. Clarence was honored in the days before his death with the Charles H. Albert Sr. Award by the shipmates of the USS Benner DD/DDR 807 “in appreciation for his selfless dedication and service to preserving the American way of life”, an honor that was to be bestowed upon him at a reunion in October at the D Day Museum in New Orleans, LA. Clarence was a valued employee of Diamond Paper Co. in Destrehan, LA for over 50 years, retiring only in recent months. The discipline and loyalty Clarence learned in the Navy served him well throughout his life.

A model of humility, selflessness, and work ethic, Clarence taught his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews how to ‘fish for life’. Clarence is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate that he is at peace with his creator.

Clarence was devoted to his faith, especially as a member of the Catholic community at St. Rita Parish in Harahan, LA. Clarence’s commitment for many years to St. Michael’s Special School, Special Connections, and We Care For Special People, Inc. in Metairie, served as a symbol of his unrelenting dedication to his youngest son, Daniel Blanchard.

Clarence was blessed with a loving family. Clarence married his best friend, Mary Ann Egan Blanchard, on June 29, 1947 in Biloxi, MS. Clarence helped raise his four children with discipline and patience. Clarence shared his love of tennis, fishing, golf, and jigsaw puzzles with his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Clarence was never happier than when he was fishing in the boat, working in his garden, visiting family in Biloxi, MS, or enjoying vacations with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Clarence was a member of Colonial Country Club in Harahan and holds the distinction as the first official member of Riverside Country Club in Harahan, as well as becoming its first member-elect President. “Black Cloud” Blanchard’s trials, tribulations, and bad luck as a sportsman on the boat are the stuff of legend. Clarence was a wonderful fishing guide and partner, even when the boat came back empty of catch.

Clarence is survived by his sister Yvonne Blanchard Johanson of Biloxi, MS; his sons; Wayne Blanchard of Lafayette, LA; Steven Blanchard (Anne) of Chapel Hill, NC, and his daughter Lynn Gallagher (William, Jr.) of Metairie; his grandchildren Bill Gallagher III (Amiee), Marie Murphy (KP), Ryan Gallagher (Kristen), Eric Gallagher (Katie), Steven Blanchard Jr., Claire Gallagher, Neil Blanchard, and Nick Blanchard; his great-grandchildren Alanna Boudreaux, Egan Gallagher, Addison Gallagher, Porter Gallagher, and Liam Gallagher; his beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of other family. Clarence is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Blanchard; his son, Daniel Blanchard; and his parents, Joseph Blanchard and Amy Chauvin Blanchard.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a wake at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA, 70006 on Friday, February 12, 2016 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. A visitation will take place Saturday, February 13, 2016 at St. Rita Church in Harahan at 9:30 AM with Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Fr. Kyle Sanders will serve as officiate. Pallbearers will be Brian Larche, Richard Trahant, Bill Gallagher III, Ryan Gallagher, Steven Blanchard, Jr., Eric Gallagher, Neil Blanchard, and Nick Blanchard. Clarence will be buried at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Metairie following Mass. Donations may be sent to Addie’s Angel’s, Inc. (www.addiesangels.com) and St. Michael’s Special School.

“Come after me, and I shall make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19)

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished!”, and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit (John 19:30).

The mold was broken when He made Clarence; he was a hero to many who loved him. The online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.