MELVIN BLANCHARD

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Melvin Blanchard, 57, of St. Louis died Thursday, March 29, 2001, at his home.

He was born Oct. 3, 1943, in Charleston, son of Angelo and Jessie Kate Blanchard.

He was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Charleston. He was employed by Dobbs International Services. He was former member of Mercy Seat Baptist Church.

Survivors include a son, Keith Lamar Blanchard, of Hawaii; four sisters, Ruth Smith and Theresa Simmons of St. Louis, Ernestine Giles of Kansas City, Mo., and Barbara Walker of Englewood, Colo.; three brothers, Willie and Ulysses Blanchard of St. Louis and Mitchell Blanchard of Mitchellville, Md.; three granddaughters; and his fianc, Emmalene Bradley of St. Louis.

Friends may call after 1 p.m. today at Sparks Funeral Home in Charleston. Funeral will be at 3 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. J.L. Posey officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.