JOSEPH R.W. BLANCHE, 81

JEFFERSON -- Memorial services will be at 7:30 p.m. today in First Congregational United Church of Christ here for Joseph R.W. Blanche, 81, of West Walnut St., who died of cancer Monday evening at home after a brief illness.
Mr. Blanche, also known as "Bud," was born Dec. 4, 1919, in Denmark Township, Ohio, a son of Charles H. and Lorene Crouch Blanche, and was a lifelong area resident. He worked for RMI for 18 years, retired in 1981, and also tuned and serviced pianos and played trombone for dance bands. He was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran serving in the Pacific Theater.
He was a 50-year member of the church and was a life-master of the American Contract Bridge League.
Besides his wife, the former Ruby King, whom he married Nov. 24, 1946, he leaves a son, Joseph W. of Niles; a daughter, Laurie B. Crabtree of Jefferson; a sister, Martha Sargent of Kansas City, Mo.; and two grandsons.
A son, Charles K., and two sisters, Dorothy Horowski and Annice Blanche, are deceased.
Friends may call from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today in the church. Contributions may be made to the church, 41 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson 44047. Arrangements are by Fleming Funeral Home, Jefferson.
4/12/01