Ronald Walter "Doc" Blanchard, age 80 of Vicksburg died Thursday Dec. 17, 2015. He was born in Eaton Rapids on Aug. 23, 1935 the son of Maxwell and Vada (Campbell) Blanchard. Ron graduated from Mendon High School with the Class of 1954. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954 and later served in Korea. It was while in the service that he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy (Hughey)Blanchard on Dec. 26, 1954. They resided briefly in Massachusetts before returning to the Vicksburg area in 1957. Upon returning, Ron worked at the First State Bank in Kalamazoo and briefly at the Brown Paper Company. Most of his working life was in data processing with L.S.I. /Burroughs, retiring in 1994.

Ron was active in many sports during and after high school. He later coached Little League and Mickey Mantle baseball , Rocket football, and wrestling. He played softball in the Vicksburg Merchant League. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, and travelling with his family. He was a member of the Vicksburg United Methodist Church, and VFW Post 5189 in Vicksburg.

Ron is survived by his wife, Nancy; two children, Jeff (Teresa) Blanchard of Vicksburg and Sherri Blanchard-Purdy of South Haven; two grandchildren, Michael Blanchard and Melissa (Trevor) Ritsema; brother in law, David Minger and family; brother in law, Rodger Hughey and family; several very special nieces and nephews; and by special friends, Vern Noel, Jerry Baughman, Ed Knapp, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sharon Johnson and Charlene Minger; two infant brothers, Donald and Daniel Blanchard; sister in law, Barbara Hughey; and brother in law, Robert Johnson.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 PM Sunday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday Dec. 21, 2015 at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Buff Coe officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Captain Charles Osborn Post 5189. Cremation will follow services and interment will take place later in Vicksburg Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Vicksburg United Methodist Church, 217 S. Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097, or to either the Vicksburg Athletic Boosters, or the Vicksburg Band Boosters at Vicksburg High School, 501 E. Highway St., Vicksburg, MI 49097. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com