Gene Blanchard

Mr. Bennie Gene Blanchard, age 79, of Mio, passed away Saturday, May 7th, 2011 at his residence.
Gene was born in Newport, Tenn, on July 7, 1931. He graduated from Cocke County High School, and Henry Ford Trade School, and had an associates degree from Henry Ford Community College.  He retired from Ford Motor Co. Sterling Axle Plant in 1987 as a manufacturing supervisor.  If 3 activities described Gene best, they would be going to church, fellowshiping with family and friends, and enjoying life.  We always laughed about the fact that he never met a stranger - Dad would talk to and  make friends with everybody.  He was a faithful member of Mio Baptist Church.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him but we are comforted to know he is having a great reunion in Heaven.
Surviving are his wife Loretta Jane Blanchard; Children:  Dennis Gene (Linda) Blanchard, Jena (James) Strom; Grandchildren:  Scott, Bryant, Adam Blanchard, Jason, Jon, and Judy Strom; Great Grandchildren:  Alyssa, Lauren, Jake, Jade, Nate, Aubrey, Avery, Benjamin; Brother: Samuel A. Blanchard; Nephews:  Clinton, Steve, Glenda, Garren and Niece:  Lori.
Gene was preceded in death by his Parents: N. Glenn & Zilla J. Blanchard, Son Todd Alan Blanchard and brothers:  N. Glenn Blanchard, Jr. and Jack Blanchard.
Visitation Monday, May 9, 2011 from 1 - 9 PM at The Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.
Funeral Services at The Mio Baptist Church, Mio, Michigan, at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 10th,  with Reverend Glynn McMorris officiating.  Interment at Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, Michigan.
Family request donations to Mio Baptist Church or Mercy Hospice.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.