Everett E. Blanchard

Everett Ellsworth Blanchard Jr., born October 3, 1914, quietly passed away in his sleep on April 21, 2011 at his home in Oklahoma City, OK. Everett was born in Friend, NE. Everett graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1938 after taking a job with Farmall Tractors in Moline IL. He and his wife, Jane (Betty Beaty), moved to Oklahoma City in 1942 to work in the war effort as a production engineer for Douglas Aircraft, building C-47s. After the war he worked for the O'Connell company and then moved jobs to Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co, from which he retired as Senior Engineer. Everett's main area of expertise was in Heating and Air Conditioning systems and manufacturing production. Everett was active in the Oklahoma City Engineers Club and local Boy Scouts. He assisted with starting the Junior Achievement organization in Oklahoma City and served as one of the original sponsors. He was a member of the congregation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He and his wife spent much of their retirement years traveling the world. He converted a Renault Dauphine into an electric car in the early 70s that he drove to work for several years. Mr. Blanchard was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Betty; his oldest son, Daniel of Oklahoma City; and his second son, Robert of Traverse City, MI. He is survived by his three daughters: Ann Cronin of Salt Springs Island, BC; Mary Ann Simons of Oklahoma City; and Louise Angelo of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his third son, James of Soap Lake, WA; and many grand and great grandchildren. Viewing and a Rosary will be held at Sunny Lane Funeral Home, 3900 SE 29th, at 7:00 PM, on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. The funeral Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, with interment afterwards at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.