Michael Ray "Mike" Blanchard

Michael Ray Blanchard came barreling into this world on Friday, January 3, 1947 in Springfield, Missouri. Tuck & Bobbie Blanchard were delighted with their first-born child and amazed when he uttered his first words shortly after birth: "Let's get this party started". After all, it was Friday. Friday, November 6, 2020, Mike Blanchard was welcomed into the presence of our Creator as he passed away peacefully at his home in Jones Creek. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tuck & Bobbie Blanchard. Mike is survived by his wife, Sandie, sons Robert Blanchard and wife, Anna, Steven Blanchard and wife Katherine, and Mark Blanchard. His beloved grandchildren are Blake, Marley, Anastasia, Nicolas, Christopher, Jacob and Rayden Blanchard. Mike is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Claudine and Steve Miller of Georgia, brother and sister-in-law Steve and Sarina Blanchard of Houston. Nieces and nephews are Brett Blanchard, Jenna Blanchard Hearn, Christine DeWitt and Travis Miller. A graduate of Angleton High School where he made many of his lifelong friends, Mike then went on to attend college at Stephen F. Austin. Returning to Angleton after college, Mike began his career in banking with Angleton Bank of Commerce which lead to several years in the world of finance. In 1992 he started Blanchard Insurance Services which today is a thriving multi-store enterprise. Oh, the stories. So many. As a favorite pastime, Mike and Sandie would "head out on the highway, lookin' for adventure" as they rambled the countryside on Mike's prized motorcycle, "Pretty Baby". An avid outdoorsman, Mike's quest for exciting adventures took him, his friends and his family on a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. Countless hours traveling to hunting expeditions, countless hours socializing with friends, precious time spent with his sons and grandchildren...always in Mike Blanchard raucous form and humor. Life for many just will never be the same without Mike's interpretation of Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree" he'd belt out at any given moment all year 'round or his crooning in a sing-along to the tunes of Hank Williams Jr. Mike had an outward robust persona that some might have found intimidating but was truly a soft-hearted soul who loved people and loved life. This writing about Mike Blanchard would not be complete without including two more subjects. The absolute love of his life was bill fishing which he pursued for many years in tournaments near and far. The sport of chasing bill fish of course demanded proper outfitting and, in grand style, a 65-foot Buddy Davis boat, Sukeba II, was designed and built to be the fastest tournament fishing boat in the Gulf of Mexico. A testament to his devotion to the sport, Mike was featured in Marlin Magazine and other sport fishing publications over the years. Oh, the stories.... The other subject is friendship. The Bible says "...a true friend loves at all times..." That friend for Mike Blanchard was Jim Purdom. Buddies since childhood and later business partners, traveling the twists and turns of life together, Jim and Mike were indeed true friends who loved at all times. Special recognition of the posse includes Glen Stracik, Bobby Stephens and Dennis Hurta, and godchild, Jay Purdom. Heartfelt gratitude from Sandie to Mary L. Thompson and to Lisa Ellis for her care. The family would like to thank A Med Hospice Group for their guidance and attentiveness. The family will receive visitors at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton Thursday, November 12 from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service is planned for Friday, November 13 at 10 a.m. at Palms Funeral Home. Space is limited Due to COVID-19 & Masks are required. Service Details. Visitation When Thursday, November 12th, 2020 5:00pm - 7:00pm Location Palms Funeral Home Address 2300 E. Mulberry ANGLETON, TX 77515 Service When Friday, November 13th, 2020 10:00am Location Palms Funeral Home Address 2300 E. Mulberry ANGLETON, TX 77515 Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book