Blanchard H. Bixler

BLANCHARD HERBERT BIXLER
1920 - 2003

Surrounded by his family, Blanchard H. Bixler, 82, pass away peacefully, Sunday afternoon, February 9, at Scheurer Hospital, Pigeon.
He was born to the late Erwin and Melvina (Eicher) Bixler on March 6, 1920 on their farm two miles north of Elkton in Oliver Twp. He grew to love farming and it remained a passion throughout his life.
On August 10, 1946, he was united in marriage to Verda Armstrong at the Elkton Missionary Church. She preceded him in death May 29, 2000.
After Blanchard left farming as a full time occupation in 1960, he became a sales rep for Watkins products for a time and than an independent insurance agent in 1965, but farming remained a hobby. He received great success as an insurance agent, earning many awards and honors for his hard work and perseverance and was always appreciated by his clients for his dedication to them. In later years, after retirement, he and Verda loved to travel, especially to places that were rich in history.
He was a lifelong member of the Elkton Missionary Church, where he served as an usher and Sunday school superintendent for many years.
Blanchard is lovingly remembered and survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Ron Tuchschmidt of Steamboat Springs, CO, Jeanne and Leland Swartzendruber of Bay Port and Joyce and Jim VanBruaene of Wakarusa, IN; five grandchildren, Jason and Jill VanBruaene, Eric, Julee and Rachel Swartzendruber; his brother, Rev. Virgil (Leona) Bixler and his sister, Faythe (Willis) Outcalt all of Fort Wayne, IN and his sister-in-law, Shirley Bixler of Carmel, IN.
His only his, Bruce, drown in 1969 at age 17. Was also preceded in death by a sister, Bernice and a brother, Leon.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Thursday at the Elkton Missionary Church. Rev. Reggie Courliss, pastor of the Elkton Missionary Church and Rev. Rev. Larry Salsbury will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton.
Friends may call from 2 to 9 PM Wednesday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton and at the church after 10 AM Thursday.
Memorials may be given to the Elkton Missionary Outreach Center or Alzheimer's Research Center at U of M in care of the funeral home