Orville Leo Blanchett, 85, Damar, Kansas, died Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

Mr. Blanchett was born March 10, 1933, in Weathers, Arkansas, the son of Joe and Nettie (Weber) Blanchett. He was a resident of Damar, Kansas. He attended grade school and high school in Minneola, Kansas.

He was a member of the Church of Christ, Minneola, Kansas, and VFW Post 1714, Dodge City, Kansas.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, obtaining the title of Corporal October 22, 1954. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army, he served in the Reserves until 1961.

In October 1952, he married Sharlene Smith in Dodge City, Kansas. They later divorced.

Survivors include: his former wife, Sharlene Gross, Hays, Kansas; his companion of more than 20 years, Georgia LaBarge, Damar, Kansas; four daughters, Charmane Besperat (John), Timken, Kansas, Michele Blanchett, Pueblo, Colorado, Tammy Marrs (Tim), Meade, Kansas, Kelli Thiel (Mark), Hays, Kansas; one son in law, Dennis Nowlin, Ellis, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Shane Blanchett, Ben Marrs, Christine Black, Shannon McGregor, Lance Gosser, Traci Burns, Melissa Erbert, and Rachel Lundstrom; nine great grandchildren; one brother, Bob Blanchett; and his twin sister, Cleo Hughes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Renee Nowlin; one brother, Truman Blanchett; and two sisters Wilma Hall, and Lorraine Axline.

Per Leo’s wishes, his body has been donated to the University of Kansas School of Medicine Willed Body Program. A private celebration of Leo’s life be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.