Keith Blanchard

Keith Blanchard passed away unexpectedly at Baptist Health on August 4, 2023, just shy of his 60th birthday. Keith was born in East St. Louis, Missouri to Paul & Lilian Blanchard on September 20, 1963. After graduating from Mountain Home High School, Keith began a lifelong career in the medical field, often working behind-the-scenes to serve those in need. He was a dedicated employee of Baxter Regional Medical Center, now Baxter Health, for almost 40 years. Keith especially cherished his time at Outpatient Physical Therapy, working alongside Joyce Bryant and Paul Henry to help his patients heal.

Keith had many interests, hobbies, and passions over the years. Many weekends when his kids were growing up, he could be found with his family camping at the Bryant River in MO, helping to instill a love of nature and fun in his kids. He spent countless hours panning for gold in the Sierra Nevadas with his mother-and-father-in-law, he could frequently be found in the kitchen experimenting with a new recipe to share with others, he and his wife, Julia, were active with Retreads Motorcycle Club and enjoyed traveling together, and he was a member of Cumberland Fellowship Presbyterian Church. Over the years, Keith was a rock hound, a bowler, a foodie, a motorcycle rider, a drummer, a fan of the band Rush, as well as a history buff of our area and his beloved country! Keith was a wealth of random facts. It wasn’t uncommon for his grandkids to declare, “We should ask Papa!” when wondering about a random tree, bird, fossil, rock, or historical event.

Keith was a friend who could have those around him in stitches, tears of laughter flowing down their cheeks. He was a Papa that brought out a spunky playfulness from his grandkids. He was a father with an unfaltering love - always available to his kids. And most of all, Keith was a dedicated husband who brought daily laughter to his wife of 31 years, with whom he had a beautiful, deep, and loving friendship.

Keith is survived by his wife, Julia Blanchard of Midway, AR; a daughter, Kara (Brandon) Rogge of Acme, Washington; two sons, Dustin Blanchard of Midway, AR, and Patrick (Lindsey) Nuhfer of Rogers, AR; five grandchildren, Kellan, Kai and Rowan Rogge, and Emmeline and Atticus Nuhfer; a sister and brother, Donna (Bill) Barcum of Lakeview, AR and Paul (Janet) Blanchard of Foristell, MO, his beloved brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Don (Vicki) Chapman, Ken (Jill) Chapman, Terry (Pat) Mixon, and all their wonderful children and grandchildren; adopted brothers Paul (Crystal) Henry and Alan (Barbara) Dyson; and countless friends.

His childlike playfulness, infectious grin, and his carefree nature will be missed by many and his memories will be carried within countless hearts!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lilian Blanchard, his parents-in-law, Don and Lillian Chapman, and his brother, Mark Blanchard.

Visitation for Keith will be 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friday, August 18, 2023 at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel, Mountain Home, AR. Burial will be private at Kirby’s Tucker Memorial Cemetery, Gassville, AR. The family invites friends to a Celebration of Life Reception at Fellowship Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Mountain Home, AR, with food served in the Fellowship Hall, 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 19, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Keith’s honor to the Baxter Health Foundation.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com .