Stephen Michael Blanchard, Jr.

Stephen Michael Blanchard, Jr AIA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday July 10, 2021 at his home. He was born July 26, 1966, in Greenville, NC the son of Lt. Col. Stephen M. Blanchard Sr. and Nancy Calloway Blanchard Sipe.

Stephen graduated from Derby High School in KS after a successful High school quarterback career and went on to play Quarterback at Pratt Community College. After a year he transferred to the University of Kansas to study Architecture and was a member of the University’s Track team. In 1990 he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Kansas and went on to practice Architecture in North Carolina and Kansas.

Following graduation, Stephen married Angela Shivel (Gfeller) in North Carolina. After moving back to Kansas, having sons, Gunner and Garrison Blanchard.

In 1999, Stephen met Laura House while working at Treanor Architects in Lawrence KS. On October 6, 2003, Stephen and Laura were married on the beach in Nassau Bahamas. Together they had sons, Gavin and Braiden Blanchard both of Lawrence.

Survivors include, wife Laura; sons, Gavin and Braiden of the home; mother, Nancy Sipe (Rick) of North Carolina, son, Gunner Blanchard (Rose Zhou) of Kansas City; and sister, Shannon Kleweno (Mark Farmer) of Olathe KS.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lt. Col Stephen M. Blanchard, Sr. and infant son, Garrison Blanchard.

Stephen truly enjoyed his time on the golf course with friends and all the shenanigans along with it. He also enjoyed watching and coaching his boys in sports.

A Private Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence for family. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Jayhawk Club, Lawrence, KS from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 16, 2021 for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial Fund for the children’s Education fund: Gavin and Braiden Blanchard Education Fund and may be sent in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS 66044, or a donation to a charity of your choice in Stephen’s name.