Louis Charles Blanchard, affectionately known by most as “Lewie” passed away peacefully in his home in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on Sunday, July 12, 2025, with his oldest son, Tony and his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Francilia Marie Blanchard by his side.
Born on May 15, 1936, on the French Island of St. Barts, he was the son of the late Mederie Blanchard and Lucina Blanchard of St Barts.
He was one of 4 children. He had 3 sisters, Marie Anita Danet (pre-death), Marie Cecile Magras and Marthe Elvina Questel. Louis followed his dad to St Thomas seeking work when he met Francilia better known to most as “Pem” and decided to stay and make his life in St. Thomas. They got married on 01/26/1958 and have raised 4 beautiful children, Tony (Sherry) Blanchard, Patrick Blanchard, Theresa (Curtis) Smith and Gerard (Betteba) Blanchard along with 6 grandkids: Tristan (Blanchard), John (Handy), Cheyenne (Blanchard), Daniel (Blanchard), Ashley (Hunter) Smith and Amanda (Blanchard) and a great grandson, Weston (Smith).
Louis was a proud man and a hard worker. He began bartending at Normandie Bar and Chateau Blanc and lots of time he would go out to pull fish pot with some of the men to make sure his family was taken care of. He then decided to give up bartending after 12 years and turn to fishing as his full-time job. He fished with his brother-in-law, Frank (Gumbs) for many years and then his oldest son, Anthony “Tony” (Blanchard) joined them in the fishing business. Meanwhile Pem and her mom, Eugenie “Une” Gumbs cleaned the fish for the customers when the boat came in each day. Louis loved his family and friends immensely and would do anything for them. He loved getting together on the weekends with everyone, whether it was at the house or on Honeymoon Beach, water island.
Louis has many family members in St Barts, including 2 of his sisters that are still with us and 1 that has passed. He has many cousins, nephews and nieces still in St Barts.
Louis’ faith in God and the Catholic church was strong. After he became less mobile in his later years, he watched the mass on TV every chance he got and prayed. Louis loved animals. Through the years he made a home for many birds, dogs and cats among a few.
Family and friends are invited to his funeral on Friday, August 8. Service at 9:30 at St. Ann’s Chapel in Frenchtown. Interment private.
Our family entrusted our loved one in the care of Turnbull’s Funeral Home & Crematory Services.
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