Kenneth Blanchard

Kenneth Blanchard, 79, of Little Axe, Oklahoma passed from this life on Friday, March 12, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. 

Kenneth was born on August 3, 1941 in Little Axe, Oklahoma to Lewis and Cynthia (Creek) Blanchard.

He was a lifetime resident of Little Axe. He attended Little Axe High School and went to trade school at Okmulgee Tech. He also received an Associate Degree from Rose State College.

Kenneth married Bernice Starr on June 7, 1963 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

He was Lieutenant Governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. He has been involved in tribal politics for 30 plus years. He was fluent in the Absentee Shawnee language and was a tribal speaker. He loved being involved in Tribal Ceremonies.  He was a founder and served as Chief of the Little Axe Volunteer Fire Department.  His hobbies included working on old tractors, raising cows, horses, and chickens, and racing cars in his younger days.  He was an avid hunter, and fisherman, he played softball, coached, bowled, and loved following his grandkids sporting activities.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Cynthia Blanchard.           

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bernice Blanchard of the home; son, Leland Blanchard of Little Axe; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Blanchard and Tommy White Thunder of Shawnee; daughter, Rikki Blanchard of Little Axe; 7 grandchildren, Devin Leitka and companion Lucia McKinney, Macklyn Leitka, Leland Blanchard, Jr., Leadra Blanchard; Sheldon White Thunder, Shelby White Thunder, and Shelsie White Thunder; 7 great grandchildren, Bryson Blanchard, Jensen Blanchard, Elliana Tackett, NaKiaus White Thunder, NaNami White Thunder, Praise Leitka and Tristan Smith-Leitka; brother, George Blanchard  and Kathleen of Miami, Oklahoma; sister, Cleta Johnson and Bud of Little Axe; brother, Chester Blanchard and Cathey of Noble; brother, Duke Blanchard and Fredith of Little Axe; Redina Miller and Glen of Norman; sister, Glendine Blanchard of Little Axe; sister, Betty Isaacs and John of Noble; brother, Kevin Blanchard and Arlene of Lexington; numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends. 

Visitation will begin at Noon on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Cooper Funeral Home and services will follow at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 16, 2021 with Victor Cope officiating. Tribal rites will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the Blanchard Family Home, 19601 E. Tecumseh Road; Newalla, Ok 74857, conducted by George Blanchard.  Burial will follow Wednesday morning, March 17, 2021 at the Blanchard Family Cemetery in Little Axe, Oklahoma under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.