Raymond Blanchard

Raymond Blanchard, 96, of Brownsville, Texas, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great great-grandfather entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on July 21, 2021. He was born in Brownsville, Texas on July 24, 1924, to Zenaida Hernandez Blanchard and Bert Milton Blanchard.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Esperanza Blanchard; sister Ida B. Erhman; granddaughter Terri B. Chisum; grandson Daniel Blanchard; son in law Carlos Renteria and daughter in law Lydia Blanchard; brother-in-law Ed Erhman and sister-in-law Dora P. Blanchard; and his nephew Bob Blanchard.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Ida B. Guerrero, Juanita B. Renteria (Carlos†), Richard (Theresa), Edward (Maria), Alice (Eduardo) Martinez, Ben M. (Lydia†), Cynthia (Richard) Valdez, Diana (Jose) Gonzalez, his brother Bert M. Blanchard (Dora†), his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was a proud patriot who serve his country as Army Private First Class stationed at Ft. Riley Kansas during WW2. He worked and retired from HEB after 49 yrs. of service. He appreciated his job very much and often told his family stories about it. He was loved and respected by his HEB partners and when HEB no. 1 closed he was invited and honored at a partners meeting.

After his retirement he loved to go fishing with his grandsons, Jesse and Jaime Guerrero and their friends who also called him “grandpaâ€. He loved to spend time with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, often taking an interest in their likes and dislikes. He always remembered to ask by name about family members that were not present. He was in awed of how the family had grown in size and was excited when he got to meet his last great great-granddaughter, Esperanza. She was named after the love of his life and wife of 71 years about whom he would often tell their beautiful love story of how they had met, married, and started their family.

His birthday was often celebrated with family barbeques and Mariachi music. He enjoyed dancing and will now be dancing in streets of gold. He had a great sense of humor that kept his family spirits up even during his last days. He left a legacy of wonderful memories that will be cherished by all.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, from 1 PM to 7 PM with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 PM and military honors at 6:30 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485