Bernard "Ben" J. Blanchard passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on November 4, 2025, following a lengthy journey with Parkinson's disease.

Lovingly known as Ben to his family and friends, he was a man who found joy in simple pleasures – cooking gumbo, boiling crawfish, and hosting fish fries. Always quick with a smile and a kind word, Ben never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

He cherished time spent with his EHS classmates and Saturday football gatherings with his LSU Alumni group. Above all, his greatest happiness came from being with his family.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents, Roy J. and Verna Ledet Blanchard.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene Springer Brown Blanchard, with whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage, beginning on December 31, 1977, in Pensacola Florida – the perfect beginning to a marriage that would forever be celebrated with each New Year's arrival.

He is also survived by his cherished sisters, Janet Hartlieb and Gail (Chris) Ryder; his devoted children, Brad J. Blanchard (Aja), Brian J. Blanchard, and James W. Brown (Vicki); and his grandchildren who brought him endless joy – T.J. Blanchard, Thomas Brown (Jessalyn), Michael Brown, Alysha Convis (Ty), Megan Blanchard (Devin Hughes), David Brown, Murphy Blanchard, Jackson Blanchard, and Brooks Blanchard. He was also blessed with great-grandsons, Lane, Kevan, and Ryan.

Ben proudly served his country as a member of the Florida Army National Guard and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Warrington Elks.

Ben will be remembered for his generosity, his laughter, and his unwavering love for family and friends. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held from 12:00pm until a Memorial Mass begins at 1:00pm Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Little Flower Catholic Church, with Fr. Jack Campbell celebrant. Committal service will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, the funeral procession to the cemetery will leave Little Flower Catholic Church at 2:00pm.

Our heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Gentiva Hospice.