Charles "Chuck" Emil Blanchard

Charles Emil Blanchard (Chuck), 95 of Benton, Kentucky passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at his home in Benton, Kentucky.

He was a loving and devoted husband of Sarah (Sally) Blanchard for 73 years, until she passed in 2023. He worked most of his young life in the auto industry, most notably, Lennertz Oldsmobile, in Merrillville, Indiana. They lived in Crown Point, Indiana until 1971, when they moved to Aurora, in western Kentucky. Fondly known as Mr. and Mrs. B, they owned and operated the Hitching Post, a gift shop and country store, for 37 years, where many fond memories were made with friends and family. Their hospitality and the homemade fudge assured that it was a stop for tourists and travelers on their summer vacations year-after-year. During this time, they also owned and operated The Wishing Well restaurant, ice cream parlor, arcade, and miniature golf course, which provided endless entertainment for his grandchildren and those who were lucky enough to work there.

Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family and those he loved. He often said that the best part of living into his 90's was seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. He carried the room with a happy attitude and smiles, loved sharing jokes and made the best of any situation. He was a jack-of-all-trades and could fix anything. He always took pride in and care of his yard. He drove his riding lawn mower all the way to age 95. He also loved playing card games, especially the family favorite, Blitz. He was quick witted, kind, caring, a genuine listener and a true mentor for all. He instilled a love for phases of the moon, feeding birds, card playing and birthday singing to all those who loved him. He moved to the Stilley House and called it home beginning in August 2024. He made many good friends there and was able to play his beloved BINGO game most every day, for him, that was a dream come true.

He was born March 31, 1929 in Lowell, Indiana, the son of the late Esther Stuhlmacher Blanchard and the late Ward Blanchard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother; Norbert Blanchard and his sisters; Mildred Olson, Jeanette Mahan and Nancy Sadler.

He was dearly loved and will be missed by his sisters; Bernice Finck of Griffith, IN and Eleanor Massow of Merrillville, IN; his children; Chuck Blanchard (Linda) of Ft. Myers, FL, Kathy Goodman (Doug) of Hickman, KY and Jim Blanchard (Kennita) of Benton, KY; his grandchildren; Jason Thompson (Kim), Matt Blanchard (Amy), Emily Edwards (Jason), Ben Goodman (Sarah), Ellie Sinkhorn (Daniel), Megan Goke (Kevin), and Brett Blanchard (Kirstan); and 16 soon to be 17 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews, family and friends. All these he loved and touched deeply.

A Celebration of life for he and Sarah together will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice or the Brooks Chapel Gordon Cemetery Fund, c/o Eddie Ramsey, 2034 Roosevelt Road Dexter, KY 42036