Morris Noel Blanchard

Maurice Noel Blanchard, born on December 25, 1932, in Bourg, Louisiana, to Phillip Joseph and Gertrude Blanchard, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Baptized Maurice Noel, he entered the world on Christmas Day – a fitting beginning for a man whose warmth and kindness would become a lifelong gift to all who knew him.

He is survived by his brother, Charles Blanchard (Terry), and sister, Catherine Ordoyne (Buddy), both of Louisiana, along with many nieces and nephews who cherished their "Uncle Zome" throughout their lives.

After graduating in 1951, Maurice joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in England, where he met the love of his life, Joan. The two were married in 1953 and shared a devoted marriage that lasted a lifetime. Together, they raised four children: all surviving, Rosalind Blanchard, Miranda Rutledge (Rod), Yvette King, and Mark Blanchard (Melinda). They were later blessed with ten grandchildren – Melanie, Reuben, Ashley, Adam, Tyson, Addison, Justin, Jacob, Jeremy, and Jayden – who brought great joy and pride to their lives. At his death, he was also blessed with 20 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Maurice graduated from Louisiana State University in 1960 with a degree in Electrical Engineering and began his career with Western Electric. He remained with the company through its transitions to Lucent, Bell South, and AT&T, retiring in 1988 after earning a Master's in Engineering and completing 28 years of dedicated service.

Following his retirement, Maurice pursued a lifelong dream of owning a restaurant and opened the Café Midway in Burlington in 1990. He operated the café with the help of his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter until 1994. He then went on to earn his North Carolina General Contractor's License and, in 1996, completed construction on his home in Elon, where he lived until his passing. For many years he used his engineering and construction abilities to help design and build theatrical sets for The Gallery Players productions – many of which were produced, directed, and starred in by his very talented wife Joan.

In 1966, at the age of 34, Maurice began an extensive Judo career. He loved the art of Judo, and after receiving his first black belt and while teaching many students through the YMCA, he became a Nationally Certified Referee. He was blessed with many skilled instructors who became close friends. Over the years, he achieved the rank of fifth-degree black belt and participated in several Junior Olympics and numerous Judo tournaments, earning multiple awards – including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

Fluent in three languages, Maurice also volunteered as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher through the Catholic Church, forming deep friendships through this entirely volunteer endeavor. During this same period, he dedicated countless hours to The Good Shepherd Kitchen preparing and serving meals for the homeless and those in need in Burlington and the surrounding area. He was instrumental in drafting and publishing The Good Shepherd's Kitchen Cookbook, a collection of recipes to be enjoyed by fellow chefs, families, and staff.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.

May his memory be eternal.

The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.