Owen Charles Blanchard

Owen (Doc) Charles Blanchard

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Owen (Doc) Charles Blanchard, 86, of Riverview, FL, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, after a brief illness with cancer.

Born May 31, 1933, in Ancon, Canal Zone, the Republic of Panama, Owen was the second oldest of 7 children of the late Charles Patrick Blanchard and Alma Albertina Cooper Blanchard. Owen was very proud of his Panamanian roots, and even more so, of his family. He spent his childhood in Panama, attending schools in La Boca and Republic de Haiti, and participating in clubs with schoolmates with whom lifelong friendships were formed. He took his role as big brother very seriously and beginning as early as his teenage years, it was clear to all who knew him that he was well-suited for the role. It was his blessing. And Owen honored his blessing. He was instrumental in ensuring his family made safe passage from Panama to the United States and that each secured American citizenship. He continued to be their rock as they settled in their lives in the States.

Owen was very proud to have served in uniform for the United States of America and it excited him to share stories of his travels. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1952. During his service time, he attained the rank of sergeant, earned the Good Conduct Medal, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and was a proud member of the Panamanian Korean War Veterans.

While stationed at Ft. Lee, Virginia, Owen proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America on January 12, 1955.

Owen also served in the Merchant Marines, under the Department of Navy, Military Sea Transportation Service, from 1956-58. He served on various vessels including USNS Langfitt, USNS Towle, and a memorable voyage on USNS Blatchford, in support of the United Nations in the Congo, for which it’s crewmembers each received a personal letter of appreciation for exceptional service. He was also awarded the prestigious Antarctica Service Medal for serving as a member of a U.S. Expedition to Antarctica.

Owen developed a true fondness for the big ships and the many friendships that were made as a result of his journeys out to sea, and so, for a few years following his military service, he continued working in the ship yard.

In 1962, Owen began a stellar career with Trans World Airlines. For the next 32 years, airports in the NY tri-state area were where Owen would make his mark. He crossed paths with many people with whom many more friendships would develop and continue well beyond retirement. He was affectionately known as Doc by most everyone, with only a few who knew his true name. Doc was given honorary lifetime membership into the Irish brotherhood and was very proud of his extended family ties.

On January 9, 1960, at St. Peter Claver Church, Brooklyn, NY, Owen married the love of his life and childhood sweetheart, Shirley Jean Rodgers. He affectionately referred to Shirley as “Mama.” They celebrated 60 years of marriage and were the pillars of the family. Their love for family was unconditional. They welcomed many into their home for extended stays, provided comfort and counsel, and were always willing to help anyone and in any way. Owen held a deep devotion to his “Mama.”

As all who knew him came to know, Owen was very much a people person, and when it came to his family, he was very passionate about his people. Over the years he became the family historian and keeper of treasured artifacts. He had a keen interest in genealogy and an eagerness to share his ancestral knowledge. Family visits were prime opportunities for lively and sometimes very animated discussions, complete with original pictures and documents to help illustrate his stories. He always enjoyed sharing fond memories of people he had met, exotic and storybook places he had visited, and special events which commemorated milestone moments in time that he had experienced.

Owen leaves to cherish his memory his beautiful and beloved wife, Shirley; a special niece, Simone (Tyrone) Tarver, who is loved and appreciated like a daughter; a sister, Mary, of New York; two brothers, Kenneth (Betty) Blanchard, of SC, and John Blanchard, of Panama; two sisters-in-law Beverly Wilkinson and Patricia Grimes; special brothers-in-law, Louis Wilkinson, Sr., and Jimmy Grimes; hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, and Godchildren near and far; special friends Melbourne Belgrave, Boris Stuart, Tony Lambe, and many others he knew as friends.

The family wishes to thank everyone for reaching out with prayers, kind words and thoughtful expressions.

A celebration of Owen's life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, May 2, 2020 on Facebook Live.