Dale Blank

Dale Joseph James Blank was born in Gramercy, LA  on July 6, 1933 and entered into eternal rest on Monday, 12/13/21 at the age of 88.

Dale is survived by devoted wife Maria do Carmo Franco Pato Francois Blank, children David (Marye) Blank, Kathy Trahan (Rick Rios), Diane (Bill) Cook, Richard (Carol) Blank, Paula Blank, Theresa  Luckett, Andy Blank and Alexa (Tim)  Ritchie. Also survived by  grandchildren, Dale Blank (Janie), Michael Blank (Nasseem), Karie (Mike) Lafleur, Darryl (Summer) Hudson, Stephen Lee Hudson (Mandy Newman), Adam (Megan Baxter) Cook, Aaron Cook, Morgan Blank, McCall Blank, Corey (Kelsey) Luckett, Mitchell (Katie) Luckett, Bennett Blank and Brennan, Arden and Kramer Ritchie (Amanda Givens). Also survived by thirteen great grandchildren: Kali Hudson, Canyon and Caroline Blank, Kenlie Coleman, Evelyn (Evie) and Emilia (Emme) Lafleur, Blythe and Brookins Cook, Charlotte (Charley), Maclaren (Mac) and Cameron (Cam) Hudson and Leighton Luckett. He is also survived by his cousin and lifelong pal Ira (Jo Ann) Landry and goddaughter Dena Landry.

He is preceded in death by his parents Emile and Thelma Blank, brother and sister Emile and Florette Blank and in-laws, Pato and Emilia Francois.

Dale met Maria in 1954 while in Azores, Portugal where he was stationed serving our country in the US Air Force Infirmary. He gained a National Defense Service Medal as well as a Good Conduct Medal while in service. Their first three children were born there before calling Baton Rouge home in 1960. For decades he was a salesman for Sears while also doing what it took to pay for a Catholic education for his eight children.  He had a big heart and would help anyone gratis if that is what it took.

Dale was an avid fisherman and took the grand prize in the 1955 Pensacola Fin Divers Spearfishing Rodeo with a 51# amberjack. He also had a love for golf and accomplished two recorded hole-in ones.

Dale will always be remembered for his extreme sense of humor, knack for pulling pranks and his talent for telling jokes which he passed along to his eight children.

The Blank family extends their gratitude to Gerald Barber, MD and Audubon Home Health support team: Kim, Bea, Renee', Emilie, Suzanne and Yolanda. Additional thanks to Personal Homecare Services CNA's Tena and Barbara. Your support and services during this difficult several months have been a Godsend.

Pallbears will be his grandsons, Dale, Michael and Bennett Blank, Darryl and Stephen Hudson, Adam Cook, Corey Luckett, Brennan and Kramer Ritchie, and his son-in-law Tim Ritchie.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Gardens of Memory on Friday, 12/17/21, 5:00 - 8:00 PM and mass service at Most Blessed Sacrament at 9:00 AM on Saturday, 12/18/21. Burial to follow mass at Resthaven Garden of Memory & Funeral Home, 11817 Old Jefferson Hwy, BR, LA 70817. Reception to follow.

"His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things ; I wil put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master's happiness!" Matthew 25:23.