Larry Vance Blanchette, 81, of Lake Charles, La., passed away at 8:14 a.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023.

Mr. Blanchette was born Sept. 11, 1941, in Lake Charles, La., where he lived most of his life. He was a 1959 graduate of Marion High School and attended McNeese State University. He served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, from 1966-1968. Mr. Blanchette spent his career as a supervisor in the construction field, retiring twenty years ago.  He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, camping and spending his time outdoors.  He also enjoyed his breakfasts at McDonald’s, where he met his friends each morning and his lunch dates with his wife, as they explored various restaurants around the Lake Charles area.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Martha Harman Blanchette; daughter, Melissa Warfel Cohn (Dennis) of Houston, Texas; brother, Roy Blanchette Jr. of Lake Charles; sister, Debra Ann Kershaw of Virginia; two grandchildren, Braden and Mia Cohn; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ellen Blanchette; and sister-in-law, Belle Blanchette.

His funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Home. Steve Shirley will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the start of the service.

The family would like to express a special word of thanks to Martha’s brother, Ronnie Hebert, his wife Jan, and son Shannon, and to all of their friends and family for the prayers and support given.