Paul Francis Blanchard

Paul F. Blanchard, Sr, 70, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away December 19, 2011. He was born October 22, 1941 in Sarasota, FL to Francis L. and Yvonne (Grand) Blanchard. He grew up in Sarasota and graduated from Sarasota High. He became a Wildlife Officer for the FL Game & Freshwater Fish Commission and was assigned to the Green Swamp. He met and married Dottie Daniels and in 1966 moved to Punta Gorda from Arcadia. He retired in 1995 after serving 32 years with the state, but later went back to work as a Bailiff for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and retired permanently in 2001. Paul was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed working with his hands and helping people. He was an active member and officer of both the local and state F.O.P. Lodge. Paul was proud to have been a 44 gallon blood donor for the FL Blood Bank. He was a wonderful friend to many and loved his family very much. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Michelle (Robert) Sutherland of Punta Gorda, FL and Paul "Chip" (Lisa Jo) Blanchard, Jr of Punta Gorda, FL; a brother, Robert "Bob" Blanchard of Arcadia, FL; grandchildren, Nichole, Heath (Lauren), Sara, Justin, Eric, Andrew, Landon and Devan. Paul was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great grandchild, Lilla Grace by Heath and Lauren.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 pm till 6:00 pm, Thursday December 29, 2011 at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1201 Aqui Esta Drive, Punta Gorda, FL. The Funeral Service will follow at 6:00 pm at the church with the Rev Bill Klossner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florida State FOP Lodge,

Fallen Officer Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1349, Tallahassee, FL 32302 or to the Parents of Murdered Children, South West FL Chapter at any Charlotte State Bank, call 941-916-0677 for information.