Earl Blandford

Earl Francis Blandford, 99, formerly of Tell City, IN passed away on December 6, 2025, in Terre Haute, IN at the home of his daughter, Susan Bear.

He was born October 12, 1926, in Tell City, IN, to the late (William) Edward and Loretta (Gratzer) Blandford and was a 1945 graduate of Tell City High School, where he served as Class President.

Earl was united in marriage to Ruth Cassidy on January 30, 1954, and resided in Tell City, IN, for 67 years before relocating to Terre Haute, IN, in 2021. He served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1952, attaining the rank of Sergeant. After working many years at General Electric, he retired from Commonwealth Rolled Products.

Earl spent many summers camping with his family and later devoted time to his grandchildren. He liked to travel, where the Smokies was a favorite destination. His love of reading continued throughout his life with a particular interest in World War II. His trip through Western Europe and the beaches of Normandy, France was a highlight. His final trip was the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, in 2016. Earl attended Indiana State basketball games this season and enjoyed a good game of Euchre, playing into his 99th year. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Tell City, IN.

Earl is survived by his sister, Donna (Butch) Labhart of Utica, KY; children, Dean (Cindy) Blandford of Louisville, KY, Denise (Chris) Day of Santa Fe, NM, and Susan (Tom) Bear of Terre Haute, IN; grandchildren, Allison and Eric Day, Ryan, Tyler and Lauren Bear; step grandchildren, Brittany (Chris) Howell and Emily (Justin) Sells; and great grandchildren, Jack Howell and Nev Sells.

In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by Ruth, his wife of 70 years; brothers, infant Lee, infant Delbert, William Lavern, William Edward II, Donald and John Blandford; sisters Betty Epple and Sister Mary Martha Blandford O.S.C.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Monday, December 15, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Steve Donahue officiating. Burial will follow in Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 8:30am to 10:30am at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Mary’s Cemetery Fund.

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