Darrel Aldon Blanchard, 78, of West Liberty, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 in Mary Rutan Hospital, Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Darrel was born March 15, 1943 in Defiance, Ohio the son of the late Ralph “Orland” and Dorothy (Folk) Blanchard. Darrel proudly served his country in the US Army 1961-1963 as a field communications crewman stationed at Fort Riley, KS, assigned to B Battery, 8th Howitzer Battalion, & 4th Artillery as part of the Big Red One. Darrel was a member of the Defiance Chapter VMCCA (antique car club), Past Master of Hiram Lodge #18 F. & A.M., Honorary member of Anthony Lodge #455 F. & A.M., Chapter, Counsel, & Commandry, Past Patron of OES #504, Scottish Rite, York Rite, & Elks Lodge #51 and The West Liberty American Legion
Darrell’s career expertise encompassed water and wastewater treatment plant operation, maintenance, management, operator training and project start up manager for over 58 years. He was passionate about his career and volunteered many unpaid hours into the teaching & training of upcoming water and wastewater engineers through the AWWA. He served in Defiance, Ashland, Paulding, Delaware, Springfield, Toledo, & Clairmont County OH, as well as Marietta GA. He had countless certifications & licenses in 14 states & 9 countries such as EPA ABC, OSHA, CEU, NESHTA, OTCO, FEMA, AWWA and Homeland Security after 9/11 in his career as an Operation Specialist. He was a highly recognized trainer both stateside and internationally for over 45 years and author of several water treatment plant training courses for the ORC of Ohio & Internationally. And he earned many awards and honors during his lifetime career.
In the past, he was employed by Floyd G Brown Engineering, Jones & Henry Engineering, & OMI Engineering, where he retired in 2015 at the age of 73 and became self-employed and continued consulting with OMI part time. In 2005, He moved to West Liberty to be near his family and work from his home office, where he continued to work internationally and in the states.
In 2020, he fully retired due to health issues. In December 2021, Darrel renewed his Ohio EPA Operation Certification License that he has held since 1974. He is the oldest and longest license holder in the state.
He served on the Executive Committee for OTCO Board of Trustees from 1982-1988 as Secretary Treasurer, VP, & President.
Darrel also served as a volunteer fireman in Paulding, Ohio from 1966-1970.
Darrel enjoyed antiques cars & shows, baseball, football, spending time with friends and family, and caring for his lawn and flower beds. He loved traveling the world, trying new things and in more recent years, he enjoyed taking shorter distance day trips with his family, where it was rare that he turned down an invitation. He was a very involved father and rarely missed a game or activity when his children were growing up. He also enjoyed attending and supporting his grandchildren’s sporting, academic and church events when he was home. In more recent years, he watched 6 of his 9 grandchildren graduate, 2 grandchildren marry, welcomed 2 new grandchildren through adoption, and welcomed his first 2 great grandchildren. But most of all, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and teaching and training the younger generation how to carry on in the water.
Darrel is survived by his wife of 57 years whom he married August 22, 1964, Peggy (Brown) Blanchard; children, Debby (Joel) Wilson, Michael (Ann Louise) Blanchard and Craig (Rose) Blanchard; grandchildren, Austin (Jenna) Wilson, Colin Wilson, Jocelyn (Tyler) Sell, Jenson Wilson, Haleigh Blanchard, Robert Blanchard, Abigail Blanchard, Nicholas Blanchard and Craig “CJ” Blanchard; great grandchildren, Juliana Wilson and Harrison Sell; brother, Dannis (Janet) Blanchard, as well as 8 nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Curtis (Elanor) Blanchard and Loren (Keith) Blanchard.
Visitation and services have been rescheduled due to winter weather conditions. A gathering of family and friends is from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at Vernon Funeral Home, Urbana, with Masonic honors at 5 p.m.. Funeral service will be noon Monday, Feb. 7, at the funeral home with Pastor Mike Eckstein officiating. The family will also receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon prior to the service.
Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery, West Liberty, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to the West Liberty Fire Department, 201 N. Detroit St., West Liberty, Ohio 43357.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.