Earl Blanchard

BETHEL—Earl F. Blanchard, 73, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008 at Menig Extended Care Facility in Randolph, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born April 8, 1934 in Brookfield, the son of Francis and Axie (Norman) Blanchard.

He attended Braintree and Randolph schools, and following his education, worked on the family farm until contracting farmer’s lung disease. He later worked at Bethel Mills for 28 years, retiring in 1995.

He married Lois Davis February 21, 1958 in Worcester, Mass. He was a member of the East Braintree Church, where he had served as a deacon. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time at camp in Braintree.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Blanchard of Braintree; two sons: David and wife Sandi Blanchard of Randolph; and Alan and wife Carol Blanchard of Bethel; a sister, Stella Flint of Braintree; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; an aunt, Helen Cook; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Jeffery Blanchard, and two brothers, James and Perry Blanchard.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Day Funeral Home. Rev. Ronald E. Rilling officiated, Phyllis Hawley was the organist, and Eric Durfee shared remembrances. A reception followed at the White Church in Bethel. Burial will be in the East Braintree Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Menig Extended Care Facility, PO Box 2000, Randolph, Vt. 05060.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.

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