Lawrence D. Blanscet

Lawrence Blanscet, age 94, our hero, went home to be with his Lord on September 29, 2017 after a long hard fought battle with medical issues. Lawrence “Larry” D. Blanscet was born on April 5th, 1923 in Erick, Oklahoma to William Daniel Blanscet and LeNora Ellen (Lowery) Blanscet. Lawrence was the youngest of 9 children, all who preceded him in death except for an older sister, Lora Charvoz, who survives him of Coolidge, AZ. When Lawrence met his wife, Ethel Dean, who survives him at their home, he proposed to her by asking her if she would like to go from a single harness to a double harness and trot through life with him. She said yes and they were married on May 20, 1989 in Roswell, NM. He always affectionately referred to her as “Ma Ma.” and his never-ending love and devotion to her was nothing but extraordinary. Lawrence Blanscet is also survived by his 7 children, Roy Blanscet of Grass Valley, California; Donnie Blanscet of Grass Valley, California; Sharon Blanscet of Kuna, Idaho; Robert and Mathew Blanscet both of Texas; stepchildren John Dean (Leslie) of Roswell, New Mexico and Ben Dean (Rosemary) of Roswell, New Mexico. He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren; Jennifer Peach (Marty) of Roswell, New Mexico; Melissa Gill (James) of Medina, Ohio; Billy Dean of Roswell, New Mexico; Donald (Megan) Blanscet, Stacy Blanscet, Jason Blanscet and Michele Fresquez all of California; Leo Schuber and Sharissa Blanscet of Idaho and numerous great-grandchildren. Lawrence grew up in the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma. In 1929, after the stock market crashed, his family left Oklahoma and moved 40 miles east of Roswell, New Mexico and lived there until 1934. From 1934-1936, his family moved to Roswell. After his mother died in 1936 and his dad remarried, the family moved to California. In 1939, he went to work for the C.C.C. camps. When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 3rd and 7th Army under Gen. George Patton. He fought in Africa, Sicily, Italy “Battle of Anzio”, France with “2nd wave at Omaha Beach”, Battle of the Bulge and Germany. While in service, he also wrote a poem “Tattoo” that was published in the Stars and Stripes newspaper. After the war, he worked a few jobs and then re-enlisted in 1946 and was recruited by “Wild Bill Donovan”, father of the O.S.S. at that time. He later became a contractor and worked security for the U.S. Government until 1988. Lawrence proudly served his country receiving several service medals including Good Conduct, ETO with Bronze Arrowhead, Silver Battle Star (served in 5 major battles), American Campaign, American Defense, Victory World War II and 5 decorations. He never wanted to be known as a hero, and in respect to Lawrence’s wishes, we will not list the 5 decorations that he received during his service, as he always felt that those belonged to the men and women with white crosses who did not return home. Lawrence was the epitome of a man with respect, honor, courage, strength and love. There was no man more willing to do whatever he needed to do for those he loved and for his country. Even until the very end, he showed enormous strength and courage. He had the strength and willpower of a warrior. There was no better role model for his family and he leaves behind a true legacy. Services are scheduled for October 6, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and interment will be in the family plot at South Park Cemetery in Roswell. A heartfelt thank you to Jimmie Turner, home health nurse and our Godsend, for her compassion and loving care that she provided for Lawrence. Also, special thanks go to Bill Jones and to the Southeast New Mexico Veteran’s Transportation staff for providing transportation services when it was needed, Maureen McGinn for her genuine warmth and kindness that she showed to us and to the Kindred Hospice staff for the strength, hope and comfort that they gave us in our time of need. A very special thank you to John Dean, his stepson, “son”, who was always there for him through the years, took care of him and was by his side holding his hand when the Lord called him home. Flowers may be sent, or a donation to Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, in memory of this great man. This tribute was lovingly written in honor of Lawrence by his family. A tribute of Lawrence’s life may be found at www.andersonbethany.com where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.

Lawrence D. Blanscet

April 5, 1923 - September 29, 2017