Elton Joseph Blanchard

Elton Joseph Blanchard was born on October 31, 1948, in Church Point, Louisiana, and grew up in the small community of Richard, Louisiana. As a boy, Elton served as an altar boy for Father Floyd Calais at St. Edward Catholic Church in Richard. He passed away on October 3, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by devotion, hard work, service, and a steady presence that will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

For 30 years, Elton worked at Texas Gas, dedicating decades to his profession and building a life grounded in responsibility, perseverance, and dependability. Among his friends and coworkers at Texas Gas, he was known as “Junior,” affectionately shortened to “June,” and sometimes, with a bit of humor, “Anvil Head Junior.”

Elton was a man of his word. He said what he meant, meant what he said, and believed in doing things the right way. He was known for always being early and firmly believed that if you weren’t early, you were late. He was also known for his familiar saying, “Everything has a place, and there’s a place for everything.” Those who knew him understood that these were not simply words, but a reflection of the orderly and dependable way he approached life.

Outside of work, Elton enjoyed hunting and fishing and the quiet satisfaction of time spent outdoors. In his later years, he cherished the companionship of his beloved Chiweenie, “Sissy,” who was faithfully by his side for four years and brought him great comfort and happiness.

Freemasonry was an important part of Elton’s life for more than five decades. He began his Masonic journey in 1972 and was a perpetual member of Rayne Lodge #313 and Harmony Lodge #410 in Eunice. He served several times as Worshipful Master of both lodges and served as District Deputy Grand Master for the 11th Masonic District in 2009. Elton was a 32° Mason, a 33° Scottish Rite Mason, and a Shriner, and was a member of all three York Rite bodies.

Throughout his many years in Masonry, Elton supported numerous charitable causes and organizations, including the Masonic Learning Center for Children, dyslexia and speech programs, DeMolay, Rainbow Girls, Shriners Hospital, and the Scottish Rite Christmas Toy Drive. His more than five decades of Masonic service reflected his commitment to fellowship, charity, service, and helping others.

Family remained an important part of Elton’s life. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Florence Brown Blanchard; his son, Christopher J. Blanchard; and his daughter, Shannon D. Blanchard.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrew Michael Bickford and his wife, Alexandra Bickford; Sydney Caroline Minyard and her husband, Brach Minyard; and Kennedy Renée Blanchard; and his five great-grandchildren, Jonah Andrew Bickford, Isabella Grace Bickford, Olivia Rose Bickford, Caroline Nicole Minyard, and Eli James Minyard.

Elton is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Cheryl Stansbury, Donald Thibodeaux, Robert Thibodeaux, Craig Thibodeaux, Janet Barron, and Janice Powell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Joseph Blanchard and Agatha Carrier Blanchard, and his sister, Marylene Thibodeaux.

Elton will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, loyalty, quiet strength, and steadfast nature; for the pride he took in his work; for his many years of fellowship and service through Freemasonry; and for the simple pleasures he found in hunting, fishing, and time spent with those closest to him, especially his Brothers in Masonry. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, lessons, traditions, and memories that will continue to be shared for generations to come.

Following his cremation, Elton’s Masonic Brothers will honor him with a Masonic funeral and memorial service at Harmony Lodge #410 in Eunice. The service will be private and by invitation for close family, friends, and Masonic Brothers who knew him. Details will be shared privately at a later date.

Those who knew Elton well will also remember the familiar way he greeted the people closest to him: “What’s up, Magoo?” or alright "Magoo.”

And so, one last time:

Okay, Magoo.