Townsend Eugene (Gene) Blanchard, 91, of Naples, FL, passed away Sunday, May 22,2022.
Gene was born in Du Quoin, IL on January 30, 1931, to Townsend and Anna Belle (Jackson) Blanchard.
He is survived by his loving wife of six years, Shirley Cedarblade of Shaftsbury, VT, and his children - John (Megan) Blanchard of Naples, FL, Susan Blanchard of Leesburg, VA, Jayne (Eric) Reishus of Naperville, IL, and Stephen (Jeanette) Blanchard of Leesburg, VA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Amanda, Kelly, Kimberly, Julie, and Daniel; three precious great-grandchildren, Josiah, Cora, and Junia; and his brother Robert Blanchard of Centralia, IL.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 47 years, Norma Louise "Peggy" Barr Blanchard, second wife Phyllis Morris Blanchard, and his brother Mark Blanchard.
With roots in Tamaroa, Gene also resided in Decatur and Naperville, IL, McLean, VA and Naples, FL. A loyal University of Illinois alumnus and graduate of the Harvard Business School, Gene led a distinguished career in corporate finance and business. Gene loved golfing, playing couples bridge, and classical music. He also enjoyed travel and cherished international trips with each of his five grandchildren. He will forever be in our hearts and missed always.
A celebration of his life was held at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, Naples, FL on June16, 2022.
Graveside committal service with military rites will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, Du Quoin, IL, on Saturday, September 24, at 11:00 am.