Hayden Thomas Blanchard, Jr.

"A Baton Rouge native, he passed away January 26, 2019 at Ollie Steele Burdon. He was 85. Hayden was introduced to the heritage of Roman Catholic Church music as a child at Sacred Heart Church where he attended elementary School. After graduating from Catholic High in 1951, he received his bachelor's degree in music from LSU in 1955, and his master's degree in 1957. Soon after graduating he joined the National Grass Roots Opera Co., touring with them performing tenor roles in numerous Operas. After singing in New York he returned to Baton Rouge to teach music at Sacred Heart and established a well-known boys' choir. He signed a contract to tour with the Roger Wagner Chorale. As tenor soloist with Wagner, he toured around the world, as well as performing at Carnegie hall and leading concert halls throughout the United States. After years of touring with Wagner he settled in California where he taught voice and music history at San Antonio collage for 26 years. He is survived by three sisters, SR. Sandra Blanchard CSJ, Ann Blanchard Deshotel and husband Roland and Loretta Blanchard Cook; one brother, Rev. Donald Blanchard; brother "“in-law, John J. McManus and sister-in-law, Laura Brister Blanchard; nieces and nephews, Art, Mark, Daniel, and Jeanne Clement Silk, Keith and Stephanie Blanchard, Ashlee White, Beau Cook, G. Michael and Drew Blanchard. Preceded in death by his parents, Hayden Tomas Blanchard, Sr. and Blanche Rodriguez Blanchard; sister, Jeanne B. McManus; brothers, Lawrence E. Blanchard and Gordon M. Blanchard and brother-in-law, Billy Cook. Visitation will be Monday January 28, 2019 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd. from 5pm to 9pm. Visitation will continue Tuesday January 29, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 9:30am to Mass of Christian burial at 11am. Interment in Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to . Pallbearers will be Art Clement, Mark Clement, Daniel Clement, Keith Blanchard, Beau Cook, G. Michael Blanchard, and Drew Blanchard.