Albert Joseph A.J. Blanchette

Albert J. Blanchette, 78, of Lake Charles, died on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 11:30 PM in a local hospital.

A.J. was born on February 24, 1934 to the parents of Theodore and Cleona Blanchette in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He attended Lake Charles High School. Mr. Blanchette served in the United States Army. He worked for the Lake Charles Fire Department for 34 years as an Assistant Fire Chief. Mr. Blanchette was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Moss Bluff. He was also a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. In his spare time he loved to travel and spend time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years Helena J. Blanchette of Lake Charles, one son, James Marlin Blanchette and his wife Maleia of DeQuincy, LA, one daughter, Twilla Blanchette Fontenot and husband Johnny of Heath, TX, two stepsons: James Gregory Manuel and wife Jill of Grand Lake, LA, and Richard Bagley and wife Annette of Westlake, LA, three stepdaughters: Donna Bagley Tanner and husband David of Westlake, LA, Kitty(Connie) Bruns and husband Richard of Lake Charles, LA, and Renee Arabie and husband Hayward of Fenton, LA, one sister Margaret Blanchette LeBlanc of Lake Charles, LA, 21 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

Mr. Blanchette is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Adam Theodore Blanchette, two sisters: Evelyn Peet and Dorothy Fields.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 1:00 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church. Father Wayne LeBleu will be the celebrant. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Monday at 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM in the funeral home.