Robert Lynn Blanchard

Robert Lynn Blanchard, 74, of Yuma, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Preceded in death by his father, Joseph Blanchard; his mother, Ruth Blanchard; and a sister, Susan Blanchard.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sheila; his 2 bonus children, Yarnell Adams of Mesa, Arizona; and Sean (and wife, Maggie Joie) Riley of Spring Hill, Tennessee; a sister, Debbie Garcia of Yuma, Arizona; two bonus grandchildren, Joshua and Alexandria; and one niece and two nephews, Linda Hastings, David Lively and RJ Lively.

Having been awarded outstanding string musician for the cello, Bob graduated from Sweetwater Union High School in 1968 and immediately enlisted in the United States Army. He served our Nation as a Medic from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1971 as a Specialist 5th class. In serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Army Commendation Medal. It was his military training that led him to completing his education in Mortuary Science from California College and becoming licensed as an Embalmer in 1975. Bob worked in the private industry from 1975 to 1984 as a licensed Embalmer before joining the County of San Diego as a Forensic Tech where we duly served until moving to Salt Lake City. In Salt Lake City, Bob joined the State of Utah initially as a Forensic Tech until his promotion to Medical Examiner Investigator where he remained until retirement in 2013. In his free time he and Sheila enjoyed taking care of their cats, boating, concerting-going, cruises, and cross-country travel.