Funeral services for R. L. Blanchard, 73, of Coushatta were at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Clyde Miley and Bro. Josh Curry officiating. Interment followed in Memory Lawn Cemetery, Natchitoches. Mr. Blanchard was born July 23, 1943, in Coushatta and passed away March 31, 2017. R.L. was a hardworking man who was a friend to everyone and always willing to help others. He was a family man who loved his family dearly. He had a special love for his grandchildren and they were truly the light of his life. He was definitely their biggest fan at a ballgame and was an awesome Daddy and Papaw. He will be missed by all those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Elaine Blanchard; sister, Barbara Blanchard; and wife, Sue Blanchard. Mr. Blanchard is survived by one son, Cleve Blanchard (Stephanie); one daughter, Charlene Blanchard; mother of his children, Doris Lawson; special niece and nephew, Teresa Moore Sims and Jimmy Moore; five grandchildren, Mitchell Blanchard, Kelsey and husband Zack Perot, Katie Blanchard, Matthew Blanchard and Robbie Blanchard; four great-grandchildren, Ryder, Adaleigh, Paityn and Zoey; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Shelby Hearold, Landon Gardner, Jason Dickson, Delane Godwin, Lance Moore, Logan Moore, William Brown and Patrick Corley. Honorary pallbearers were Red Giddings, Andrew Giddings and Doyle Giddings. The family wishes to express a special thanks to Rosie Brown, Dr. Gavin Chico and all the staff of Christus Coushatta Health Care Center.