December 26, 1959 ~ October 19, 2021
“Boy, boy, boy” – the words Mark Blanchard would say, hilariously, in the thickest of cajun accents anytime something amused him. In his 61 years on this earth, Mark was a lot of things – father, stepfather, husband, paw paw, fisherman, plant supervisor, competitive bodybuilder, singer – but above all, he was kind. He was a warm soul who could melt even the coldest of hearts. If you had a bad day at work, he’d feed your spirit with a steaming plate of his jambalaya. If you were angry, he’d make you laugh creating voices for the animals on animal planet. And if someone broke your heart, he’d remind you how much he loved you and give you the safest of hugs you’d ever felt. To know him was to love him. He was the gentlest of gentle giants.
Mark was born on December 26th, 1959 in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. He graduated from Ascension Catholic High School class of 1977. After spending his entire life in the state, he transitioned on October 19, 2021, surrounded by his daughter Samantha, wife Tammy, brother Keith, and goddaughter Evy Rodrigue. He is also survived by his father Jim Blanchard, sister Marilyn Gonzales, stepson Joseph Martin and wife Melissa, stepsons Patrick and Cody Martin, brother-in-law John King and wife Kelly, his grandchildren Cadyn, Trevor, Daigen, Riley, and Preston Martin, his many nieces and nephews including goddaughter Dawn Barrient, and a host of family and longtime friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Alonia Rita Blanchard. He will be painfully missed, but joyously remembered.
A memorial service to honor Mark’s memory will be planned at a later date. In the meantime, please sign the online guestbook at www.sealefuneral.com.
18 comments
Chase Bradley
November 1, 2021 at 6:49 pm
Wow sounds like a very beautiful person! I did not have the pleasure of meeting him but I have had the pleasure of knowing apart of him through Samantha is one of the most beautiful courageous and one of the most talented writers I have met and worked with. I know that Mr Mark was proud to see what she is becoming in the world. God bless to the rest of the family and I send my deepest condolences and love to you all.
Mishka
November 1, 2021 at 7:06 am
This is beautifully written. He sounded like a man of many dimensions. I wish I had met him prior to his passing. Rest easy knowing you raise an excellent daughter with a heart of gold.
Jason Blanchard
October 30, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Mark was a great guy by all standards. He was a very good friend to my dad. I was able to work with Mark from 1998 to 2001. Mark would give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed it. Rest in peace my friend and be sure to hang out with my dad in heaven. Drink coffee and cook a pot of beans at midnight! Just like yall did in the 80’s.
Danae Faulk
October 25, 2021 at 3:32 pm
Mr. Mark, I had a bowl of jambalaya this weekend in your honor. Thank you for giving me my best friend. I see you every time I see Sam’s face. Rest easy ❤️
Tammy Blanchard
October 25, 2021 at 3:25 pm
My love…
Today marks 6 days that I have had to wake up and get out of bed without you here with me. It already feels like 6 centuries. I am so broken and wounded right now and the days are only growing more difficult to face. I know you would want me to go on, and, eventually I will laugh and smile again. I will keep your spirit alive always and forever.
Until I see you again my love,
Tammy
Samantha Blanchard
October 25, 2021 at 3:51 am
Pops, some people have horrible, deadbeat dads forever. While I lost you entirely too early, I got an incredible dad for 34 years. There isn’t one second of my existence that’s gone by when I didn’t feel loved and supported by you. I’ll carry you with me as I keep chasing this dream, the same one you had, for the rest of my life. I’ll never stop missing you, but I promise to not let missing you stop me. Everything I do now is for you… for us.
Carl Whitman
October 22, 2021 at 5:16 pm
You, Sam have shared your heart in so many ways over the years, through song and other media. Today, I got a chance to know Mark. Embrace your dreams of him now and forever. And I will continue to listen.
Mary Soderbergh
October 22, 2021 at 3:10 pm
As the mother of an amazing daughter, Samantha Blanchard, I will never take credit for how wonderful she turned-out as a human being.
She is the best part of Mark Blanchard ; the most loving father a child could have.
I honor Mark for his love and commitment to Sammy, his sacrifice, as he allowed her to follow her dreams in music. They were besties, and I’ve not seen a stronger bond between a father and daughter. He leaves a void in us all and is already missed. Mark’s wife and family are lucky to have had him in their lives.
Uncle Earl and Aunt Pat king
October 22, 2021 at 1:13 pm
Tammy, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this struggle in your life. We are so sorry for your loss. Let us know if you need anything. We are here for you.
Monica Moreno
October 22, 2021 at 5:33 am
You father sounds like someone I would have loved to know, Samantha. Thank you for sharing. Thinking about you and sending you my best.
Amber Sauer
October 22, 2021 at 4:54 am
I never got the chance to meet you sir, but I am a friend of your daughter Sam, and she had always spoken so highly of the person you were. She is a wonderful friend, and an amazing contributor to the world through music. You definitely left your stamp on the world through her, & you will be missed. Sending all my love & prayers to the family for your loss. ❤️
Krystal LeBoeuf
October 22, 2021 at 12:36 am
Mr. Mark was a special and kind soul. One that will be missed by many, but he will be preparing the way for his loved ones to see him again one day. All my love and condolences to this very special and loved family. ❤🙏
Jewel Behre
October 22, 2021 at 12:32 am
Go Rest High On That Mountain Mark you truly will be missed
Ashley Havelka
October 22, 2021 at 12:23 am
My heart goes out to Samantha and the rest of his beloved family. I always heard nothing but great stories about him and the amazing father that he was. Rest easy Mark.
Rudy
October 21, 2021 at 11:21 pm
Sounds like an amazing man! May he RIP
Margaret-Anne Davis
October 21, 2021 at 11:12 pm
Sending all my love and prayers to you and your family Samantha.
Roseanne Erwin
October 21, 2021 at 9:38 pm
Our hearts are heavy for your loss Tammy. He loved you and that will never change. The Earth has lost but Heaven has gained.
Rhonda Caston
October 21, 2021 at 7:50 pm
Rest in peace Mark! You will be truly missed by the ones who loved you and your memories all have safe in there hearts. Go rest and be with the lord.