Leedrue "Lee" Martin Blanchard, 86 of Nevada, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Rolling Green Village in Nevada.

Lee was born June 4, 1937, in Powersville, MO, the son of Cecil and Hazel Fern (Chinn) Blanchard. He graduated from Unionville High School and from the Iowa Barber College. Lee was united in marriage to Jo Ann LaRue on May 3, 1959. He worked as a barber for Ideal Barbershop and continued barbering from home and retired from the Story County Road Department. Lee was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Nevada. Lee was a 4-H leader in Story County and a member of the Iowa 4-H hall of fame.

Lee enjoyed working with horses, especially Tennessee Walkers, taking care of goats and other animals, working on their land they owned south of Nevada, reading, and watching western shows and movies.

Lee is survived by his children, Shari (Mike) Caruth of Nevada, IA, Marcy (Andres) Juarez of San Antonio, TX, and Jason (Shelly) Blanchard of Mayfield Heights, OH; five grandchildren, Miranda Blanchard, Dr. Kassandra Aspero Jansen (Alek) Kristen Blanchard, Alison Caruth and Kelsey Blanchard; and two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Jackson Blanchard. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife in 2018.

A memorial visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. Private inurnment will be at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Story County Iowa 4H Foundation, 1259 Stange Rd, Ames, IA 50011 or Animal Control & Shelter, 975 W Lincolnway, Nevada, IA 50201

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.