Charles Woodrow Blanchard

Charles Woodrow Blanchard, 87 of Burleson, Texas passed away surrounded by family on August 20, 2021. Charles was born on March 6, 1934, in Orange, Texas to Hazel and Felix Blanchard. He joined the United States Army Green Berets on June 2, 1953 until he retired on December 31, 1982. He dedicated 29 years of military service as a Master Sergeant. For those of you who are not familiar with military service, The United States Army Special Forces, known as the “Green Berets” due to their distinctive service headgear, are a special operations force of the United States Army that are designed to deploy and execute special operation for the defense of our country. Charles served three tours in Vietnam and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving. In addition to the Purple Heart, Charles has received numerous awards including several bronze stars and other decorations for his outstanding service. There were many other accommodations that Charles endured that are unrecognized but equally important.

Charles married his childhood sweetheart Dora Jane Singleton Blanchard, February 10, 1954 (who passed on September 25, 1998) while Charles served his country, Dora raised four sons, Timothy (passed), Stanley, Gary, and Christopher. During Charles time on leave he spent teaching his sons how to fish, hunt, golf and survive in the wild.

After, retirement from the United States Army, Charles served the Fort Worth school system for over 30 years.

Charles loved fishing, golfing, gambling, sweet wine ,El Presidente brandy, bloody marys, gardening, jazz music, hunting, cars and (good) food, shrimp (lots of shrimp), country boy sausage and dessert. Charles was known to his closest friends and family as Joe after Joe Louis the mighty boxer. He was known to his grandchildren by many names, Pawpaw, Grandpa, Pop and GGpa and loved listening to them share their goals and dreams, he always had good advice. Sergeant Blanchard led many, always pushed them to do their best, as he did with his sons and many whose paths that he crossed.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Felix Blanchard, wife Dora Jane, second wife Nellie, son Timothy, granddaughter Angelica Blanchard and multiple brothers and sisters. Charles is survived by his son Stanley A Blanchard, wife Tracy L. Murray (ex-wife Karen A. Blanchard) son Gary D Blanchard and wife Debra L. Blanchard, son Christopher W Blanchard (ex-wife Regina R. Blanchard). Grandchildren, Stephany Wendt, Kevin C. Blanchard, Stacy D. Stein, Michael A. Vaudrin, Derrick J Blanchard, Matthew D. Vaudrin, Charles M. Blanchard, Courtney N. Blanchard, and Crystal N. Blanchard.

Great Grandchildren. Jhania Blanchard, Cory Schultz, Devin Schultz, Stella Blanchard, Kevin C. Blanchard Jr., Kjerstin M. Stein, Daniel J. Stein, Myra Memon, Kiara Evans, Brianna Blanchard, and Laila Blanchard.

Great Great Grandchild, Alayia Anderson, sisters Leona Rather, Martha Levias, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Charles will be forever in our hearts. We will have a time for Celebrating his Life on September 17, 2021, at 2 pm at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel, 7100 Crowley Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76134. The Military Honors will follow at the grave site.

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So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

Isaiah 41.10