Fred Blanchard

Fred Wallace Blanchard, 88, was received into the arms of Jesus on Monday, January 2, 2023. The family will be receiving visitors on Tuesday, January 10, from 6 – 8:00 p.m., at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive,Waco. A service celebrating Fred’s life will be held at Meadowbrook Baptist Church on Wednesday, January 11, at 10:00 a.m. There will be a private family burial at a later time.

Fred was the seventh child of nine siblings born to SW "Dick" Blanchard and Bertha Anderson Blanchard on April 21, 1934, in Mound, Texas. He grew up attending Mound Schools and helping on the family farm until he enlisted in the Army in 1954. He served for two years and met the love of his life, Joy McCarver, when he was home on furlough in 1955. They corresponded through letter writing until his discharge in 1956. Fred and Joy married on September 22, 1956. Joy is convinced she wooed him with her ham sandwiches and sodas while working at the Gatesville Drug Store.

Once married, they moved to Waco. Fred and Joy were blessed with two boys, Craig Wallace and Brad Dean. As the boys were growing up, the family joined other families and took many camping, fishing, and hunting trips. Fred taught the boys important lessons like how to drink black coffee and eat SPAM as well as respect for the wildlife and the natural Texas reserves. He also taught them the importance of a strong work ethic, how to serve others, how to treat others with dignity and respect, and how to be a man after God’s heart. Fred worked at General Tire, advancing to a Supervisor position in the shipping department. He retired from General Tire after 32 years.

During retirement, Fred worked at Clifton Upholstery for several years and then served many people by fixing their lawn care equipment from his home workshop. He really enjoyed people coming by the house to visit while dropping off and picking up their equipment. He could always be found "out back." Fred was an avid Texas Rangers baseball fan, watching the games as much as possible. He and Joy also attended the Lady Bears basketball games. They enjoyed travelling with friends across the United States, seeing sights and having fun.

Fred was a longtime, dedicated member and Deacon of Beverly Hills Baptist Church. He was instrumental in starting a successful bus ministry through the 70’s and 80’s. He and Joy served faithfully at Beverly Hills Baptist Church through multiple ministries for over 50 years before joining Meadowbrook Baptist Church in 2008 and serving as an usher.

Fred was preceded in death by 2 brothers and 4 sisters. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joy Blanchard of Waco; his son, Craig Blanchard (Diana) of Waco; his son, Brad Blanchard (Sharon) of Waco; grandchildren Matt Blanchard of Waco, Kristen (Blanchard) Holland of Waco, Taylor Blanchard (Heather) of McKinney, and Collin Blanchard of Waco; two great-grandchildren, Cohen and Reese Holland; sisters, Wyona Miller of Grand Lake, Colorado and Sue Magee of Gatesville, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.

Pall Bearers are Taylor Blanchard, Collin Blanchard, Frank Wallace, Mike Hardcastle, Tracey Patzke, and Mark McCarver. Matt Blanchard will serve as an Honorary Pall Bearer.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Fred to Meadowbrook Baptist Church or Baylor Scott & White Hospice.