Irvin Blanchard

Irvin Levi Blanchard, 80, Sheldon, Missouri, passed away on May 28, 2011 at Barton County Memorial Hospital, after a short illness. Irvin was born November 3, 1930 to Ezra and Isabell (Spoon) Blanchard at Oakton, Mo. He moved from the Blue School area to the Sheldon area in 1948. He graduated from Sheldon High School. He was a Korean War veteran. Irvin married Betty Owen on March 31, 1956 in Lamar, Mo. He farmed, and then started a used farm equip- ment business in 1980 until the May 4, 2003 tornado. Irvin is survived by his wife, Betty; one son, Stan Blanchard and wife Shelia of Sheldon, Mo.; two daughters, Kathy Blanchard of Lamar, Mo., and Kristy Blanchard of the home; four sisters, Clara Hobson of Jasper, Mo., Leta Moore of Emporia, Ks., Pauline Rogers and husband Jim of Lamar, Mo., and Loretta Owen and husband Dean of Lamar, Mo.; one brother, Harold Blanchard and wife Kay of Lamar, Mo.; two step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Irvin was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lillie Flesch; and three brother-in-laws, John Flesch, Lloyd Hobson and Claude Moore. He was a member of the Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home in care of the funeral home.