On Tuesday, December 1st, 2020, Gregory Dennis Blanchard, a loving husband, caring father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 71.

On May 24,1949, Greg was born in Hammond, Indiana to a family of five brothers. He would often tell stories about growing up with that many brothers while they all lived in Griffith, Indiana.

In 1974, he moved to Houston, Texas and married Crystal Lawson Blanchard in the same year. The two of them then moved to Richardson, TX in 1981 and were blessed with six children. Greg began his consulting business, Computerized Estimating Services, in 1985 and continued working until shortly before his death.

He moved his family to the Grand Saline, Texas area in 1994 and built a house in the country where he lived until his death.

Greg was preceded in death by his father Clifford Harold Blanchard, his mother Florence Loretta Lanham Blanchard, his sister Marilyn Lucille, his brothers, Gordon, Keith, and Cliff, a stillborn son, Craig Stewart, and his stepson, Jeff. He is survived by his wife, Crystal, his six children, Jennifer Middleton (Andrew Middleton), Daniel Blanchard (Christa McDonald Blanchard), Charyse Rose (Christopher Rose), Kelly Dale (Matthew Dale), Faith Middleton (Mark Middleton), and Whitney Lawson-Alexander Blanchard (also known as Alex), his stepchildren, Kathleen and Tim, as well his daughter from a previous marriage, Gina, his two brothers, Al Blanchard and David Blanchard, as well as several beloved grandchildren.

Statements by his family about the deceased:

Crystal Blanchard (wife):

Greg Blanchard was a direct answer to the prayer of a young single mom. He entered my life with much tenderness and warmth with a splash of humor.  Early on in our relationship, we navigated many of life's turbulent storms always committed to one another in the Lord.

God blessed us with six children who graced our dinner table at every meal and filled our home with much joy and our lives were enriched with their presence. We discovered the truth of the scriptures that children are blessed gifts from the Lord in many ways...especially as they become adults with children of their own.

This past summer, Greg realized that there were those who may have need of a paycheck so he employed them to help on our homestead to make many improvements to it. He always gave to others never expecting anything in return. He was a blessing to so many people and would often stop to talk to strangers and encourage them along their journeys through life.

He was a great man, much loved and we miss his daily presence in our lives. I do rejoice in the Lord, though, knowing that he is enjoying God's presence. The Lord is great and marvelous in providing His people through Christ Jesus a way that they may be reconciled to God by His sacrificial giving of Himself that His people may enter into the fulness of His joy when He calls them home. I take comfort in knowing that this God is our God forever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death. (Ps. 48:14).

Jennifer Blanchard Middleton

The defining factor in my Dad's life was that he was a Christian, not the sort who carry it as a empty badge, but one of those who genuinely loved the Lord Jesus. He enjoyed his Bible. He talked about Bible Studies and he lived and breathed his faith. He was unfailingly generous. He loved to go for a meal, and he would always pick up the bill. He didn't do this to gain appreciation or favour. It just flowed out from who he was. He would go out of his way to help others and was happy to just sit and play with his children and grandchildren however busy he was with his architectural work. He was great at telling stories and lived a happy contented life that was enriched by his fishing, family history, baseball and keeping records of what was happening in both our lives and his. As a child, we saw how much he loved our mom with those sloppy hugs and kisses, as an adult you saw the tender looks and care over gifts for her. Many who seek excitement could learn real happiness from this simple life that was filled with faith, family, friends, fun and walks with his dog. We grieve, but he is happier now than ever.

Daniel Blanchard:

My father was a man strong in the Lord and loved his family. There are so many stories that I could tell, but it would take up too many pages. The best way that I could describe him is that he was diligently in God's word often, he loved his family, and he was faithful and took joy in the work that the Lord gave him. I'm grateful for the love of Christ that shined through him. I love you Dad.

Charyse Blanchard Rose:

Dad was one of the strongest and most selfless men I knew. I always knew I could turn to him for advice anytime time of day or night. He always knew when he needed to be hard on me because he knew I was better than I was. He was always working so hard for his family and to provide for Mom. I love you, Dad. I am so grateful for you. I am so glad that Jaycee got to know you as well and you will be greatly missed by her and me.

Kelly Blanchard Dale:

Dad was a fantastic storyteller and always had the best dad jokes. He loved entertaining others with his stories, especially the ones about growing up with his brothers. They were always interesting tales for sure. I will never forget them and will always treasure those memories of sitting around the table or in the living room, listening to him weave another story, captivating his audience. He was a wonderful father, a very hard worker, and a good man who always offered a helping hand, even to strangers he didn't even know. I will miss him greatly.

Faith Blanchard Middleton:

My dad was the hardest working man I've ever known. He taught me the value of hard work, how you could achieve anything you wanted if you only worked hard for it. He valued his family more than anything, making sure everyone was taken care of. He was so proud of all of us, often telling people every detail of our achievements. Dad never failed to lift us up. He always sought us out, helped us out, never turned us aside. Dad was always there and often had a solution for every problem. Dad was the most generous, big-hearted person I've ever known. He would go out of his way to make someone else's day. Wherever he went, he made a friend. He could always get someone to laugh and turn a boring situation into a hilarious memory. Dad always knew how to make someone laugh, and nobody knew how to tell a joke better than he. Dad always looked on the bright side of life and embraced his fully. He showed his love of the Lord by his kindness and his devotion to his family. I'm going miss his laughter, his big smile, and how he used to affectionately call me his China Doll. Always in heart. I love you, Dad.

Whitney (Alex) Blanchard

My father was the most kindhearted and caring man I ever knew. I can't even count all the times he would stop what he was doing just to help a stranger out. He raised all of us kids to be strong followers of Christ, some of my favorite memories of him come from every morning when he would gather the family together for us to read and sing God's Word. I thank the Lord for giving me such a good example to follow. I will cherish the memories I have of him and always miss him.