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YORKTOWN - Richard Earl Blanch passed away at home early Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026.

He was born in Muncie on October 24, 1936, the son of Harry C and Frances E (Clark) Blanch. Richard graduated in 1955 from Burris High School. After high school, he served 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. After that, he was a Supervisor at Westinghouse/ABB for 30 years retiring in 1992 at the age of 55.

He loved traveling and had been to all 50 states after he and his life partner, Martha Richards, took their 2-week trip to Alaska along with traveling the country for a total of 5 weeks. They traveled to races, both NASCAR and Indy Car, and concerts all over the country. They were also very family involved and loved working outdoors and doing everything together.

He is survived by his life partner of almost 34 years, Martha Richards of Yorktown; brother, Mike and wife Mary Ellen (Pugsley) Blanch of Yorktown; sister, Debbie and husband Greg Wilson of Bradenton, FL; sons, Rick Blanch of Anderson, Kevin Blanch and wife, Sandy of Yorktown and David Blanch of New Castle; daughter, Melinda and husband Randy Spradling of Hastings, FL; grandchildren, Colby Blanch, Brittany Claxton, Mykala Ashbaugh, Stephanie and husband Brandon Meadows, Lyndsey and husband Dustin Forster, Grace and husband Matthew Manship, Kristi Mikolitch and husband Brian, Ryan Lewis, Trey Smith and Marcus Blanch; great-grandchildren, Abby and Sophia Meadows, Kaisen, Kenzlie and Scarlett Forster, Maverick, Malcolm and Magnolia Manship. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

He was given another family by Martha of two sons, Allen Richards, Arthur and wife Susie Richards; grandchildren, James Richards, Tara Richards, Cheyanne and husband Taz Miller, Mya Richards, Nicholas and wife Suzanne Petro and Jason Petro; great-grandchildren, Brice Petro, Nyleigh Richards, Kai Harris and Emerald Keihn, Jeremiah and Jaylin Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first love of his life and mother of his children, Lorena Giguere Blanch; his second wife, Ina McCowan Blanch; a sister and brother-in-law, Mona and Don Rench; niece, Amy Cooper; son, Steven Richards; and daughter, Eva Petro.

There will be a Memorial Service to be announced at a later date and cremation will take place.

The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com

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