Maxwell Farrar Blanchard

Maxwell Farrar Blanchard, USAF Lt. Col. (Ret) and longtime Albuquerque resident, died peacefully at his home at age 85 on Thursday, February 10, 2022 following a long illness, surrounded by family.

Max was born on Monday, August 10, 1936 in Athens, Georgia to Mell Farrar and Eunice Farr (Stokely) Blanchard. He grew up in Crawford, Georgia and moved to Washington D.C. when he was six years old. Max was appointed to Capitol Page School and served as a page in the US House of Representatives and as Under Library Assistant in the US Supreme Court. His diploma was signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959.

Following graduation, Max was commissioned into the Air Force and spent four years at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida as the flight engineer for the Atlas missile. He continued launching Atlas missiles at his next duty station at Vandenberg AFB in California before being assigned to Clark Air Base in the Philippines, where he was with The First Test Squadron working with F-4's being flown in Viet Nam.

His last tour of duty was at Kirtland AFB where, among other assignments, he worked on the Airborne Laser Lab and laser weapon systems research as part of the "Star Wars" initiative. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Max enjoyed traveling to many foreign countries, working on his computer, visiting with his many friends, and enjoying many activities in the church.

Max is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Lee Ann (Brown) Blanchard; three daughters, Lorena Sweeney (Tim), Leslee Comerford (Mike), and Mellanie Smith (J.T.); son, Maxwell Farrar, Jr.; 10 grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; as well as a sister-in-law, Louise Watts; and a niece and nephew. He lived a rich, full life and was known for his offbeat sense of humor and for his love for God and his country. Max will be missed by many.

Services and a celebration of Max's life will be held Friday, February 25, 2022, 10:00 A.M., at Christ the King Anglican Church, 2525 Vermont St. NE, with the Rev. Pete Falk officiating. In lieu of flowers. donations can be made in Max's name to a charity of your choice or to Christ the King Anglican Church.

The family would like to express their thanks to the New Mexico VA Health Care System, to Ambercare Hospice, and particularly to his nurse Alix Lewis and his daily caregiver Alicia Ruiz for their professional and loving care.