Wesley "Daddy Duck" James Blanchard, Sr.

Wesley James Blanchard, Sr., 78, of Lake Charles, LA, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at a local hospital surrounded by family and friends. 

Wesley was born in Lake Charles, LA, on September 28, 1944, to Nolance and Ida Hargrove Blanchard.  On February 12, 1965, he married Patricia Ann Budge.  Together they raised three sons, Wesley Jr, Dwayne Joseph, and Patrick. 

Southwest Louisiana was his lifelong home; he attended from LaGrange High School.  He later began his career as a mechanic, working for the Levingston Shipyard and Massey Ferguson Tractors in Crowley. 

Wesley’s biggest passion was for cars, drag racing and classic cars in particular.  It was this love for cars that ignited his self-employed career building performance motors and classic cars for over fifty years.  His most recent restoration he built for the love of his life, Patricia.  He even named the car after her, “Miss Patricia”, a candy-apple red 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. 

As a fellow car enthusiast, he founded and continued to be the President of the Idler’s Car Club.  He regularly attended car shows and served the car enthusiast community in various capacities.  He organized numerous car shows and benefits for those in need, including local veterans.  He was always there to jump in, unconditionally, to help in any way he possibly could, in any capacity. 

There are many ways to describe Wesley: sensitive, kind, intelligent, generous, gregarious, adventuresome, loyal, honest, and funny.  He was truly a person of integrity and honor, whether it was mentoring his children, someone else’s children, a loved one, or a friend.  His knowledge and wisdom were immense. 

He was welcomed into Heaven on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 by his parents, brother, L.J. Blanchard; twin brother, Leslie Blanchard; and a host of close friends.

Those left to cherish his memory and spirit: his wife of fifty-seven years, Patricia Ann Blanchard; his children: Wesley, Jr. (Shawn), Dwayne Joseph, Patrick (Christina) Blanchard, and Michelle (Randy) Fawcett; his siblings: Nolance, Jr. (Irene) Blanchard, Ida Mae Trahan, and Dolly (Johnnie) Clements; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff.  Mark DeBarge will lead the service and friends are invited to share stories.  A gathering of family members and friends, along with a car show, will be at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 AM until the start of the service.

The family would like to express a special word of thanks to the staff at Christus St. Patrick Hospital for the care and compassion received.