Cecil M. Blankenship

PETERSBURG - Cecil Melvin Blankenship, 80, of Petersburg passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at his residence. He was born on April 29, 1930, in Edinburg, IL, to Luther and Myrtle Hawkins Blankenship.

He is survived by companion, Mary Sherren of Petersburg; five children, Penny Hutsell of Grant's Pass, OR, Charlotte Tenepere of Sai Pan, Philippines, Victoria Valenzuela of Merlin, OR, Theresa Deal of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Vernon Blankenship; a sister, Violet Jackson of Springfield; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

One son, six brothers, and four sisters preceded him in death.

He had worked as a truck driver for 40 years and ran a salvage yard in Kingman, AZ. He was a US Army veteran. He was a member of Atterberry Community Baptist Church. He was also a member of Clinton Lodge #19 AF&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield, Ansar Shrine, St. Aldermar Commandry, and York Rite. He was a past president of New Salem Shrine Club, and was a worthy patron for Eastern Star for 2009-2010.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. at Atterberry Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. till 6:30 p.m.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis.

Memorial messages may be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.