Gerald Randall Blanchard Sr.

Gerald R. Blanchard, Sr., passed away on October 1, 2011, in San Angelo, Texas. Known as PaPa to his grandchildren and Jerry to many, he was loved dearly for his kind heart, generosity, friendship, and for making others laugh.

Jerry was born on November 30, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan. He retired as a Master Sergeant after 22 years of serving in the United States Army. He received numerous medals for his talents and dedication while serving in many venues. Jerry was great with numbers and was an avid stock trader which he enjoyed tracking during his retirement. Wishing to continue in his career he enrolled as a Business student as ASU where he pursued and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1987. His talents naturally led him to H&R Block where he worked for several years as an income tax preparer and ultimately in quality control. Jerry’s final employment was as a Federal Employee working as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service where he delivered mail on various routes in San Angelo for almost a decade until his retirement.

He is survived by two sons, Marvin and JJ Blanchard of San Angelo, daughter Dawn Kalina and husband Paul of Miles, a sister Tari Stokes and Husband Eugene of Kaufmann, Texas; grandchildren Michael, Marial and Marissa Kalina of Miles, and a large extended family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Edna Mae Hasting Blanchard in October 2004 after over 16 years of marriage. Jerry and Edna enjoyed traveling especially to visit family in Iowa, going to the races, and their favorite destination of Las Vegas where they frequented several times a year as their health permitted. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, spending many hours shooting darts, cookouts on the patio, attending Rangers games with family, watching grandkids events and many socials and meals.

Jerry was a sports fanatic and rooted for any Michigan teams unless they were playing the Rangers or sometimes the Cowboys.

Jerry was also preceded in death by his dear brother Robert (Bob) C. Blanchard.

Jerry also leaves behind his very close friends Dan and Patty Fehrenbach and many other friends that were all a part of his “Shenanigan’s” family.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Charity.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home, San Angelo, TX.