HAMPTON -- Earl Blatchford, 87, died Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, in Exeter Hospital.

He was born May 25, 1922, in Exeter, the son of Ralph N. and Olive (Crosby) Blatchford, and was a lifelong resident of Hampton.

He was a 1942 graduate of Hampton Academy and was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of World War II, serving four years as a machinist mate.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Hampton.

Mr. Blatchford was a printer for the Portsmouth Herald for 21 years, retiring in 1987. He had previously worked for the Hampton Union from 1947 to 1951 and 1955 to 1966, and for N.E. Typographers of Hampden, Conn., from 1951 to 1955.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty J. (Brown) Blatchford of Hampton; two daughters, Janet Gordon of Hampton Falls and Joyce Blatchford of Hampton; and one brother, R. Donald Blatchford of Hampton Falls.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Ruth Sanborn and Gertrude Marr.

WE REMEMBER: He was a member of the Hampton American Legion Post No. 35 and the former Rockingham Lodge No. 22, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Hampton.

He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time at his deer camp in Ossipee. He was also a craftsman, excelling in woodworking, and was a jack of all trades who loved to tinker.

SERVICES: There are no calling hours.

Services will be held Thursday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. in the Ronald A. Remick Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rockingham VNA and Hospice, 137 Epping Road, Exeter, NH 03833.