Wayne A. Blankenship Jr.

Wayne A. Blankenship, Jr. passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2016, due to complications following surgery. Beloved husband of Lynn Godelfer Blankenship for thirty-five years. Loving father of Randy Blankenship of Houston, TX, Ronald Blankenship (Priscilla), and step-father of Carlo Fantozzi. Proud grandfather of Randy Blankenship, Jr. of Dallas, TX. Born in 1924, he was the son of the late Wayne A. Blankenship, Sr. and Mabel Nolen Blankenship of Eldora, IA. Brother of the late Jack Blankenship of Parachute, CO. He was preceded in death by his loving first wife, Mary Kopchik Blankenship, in 1975. A native of Iowa, he joined the Marines after high school and proudly served in WWII. He relished telling stories of his time spent in the Marines throughout the rest of his life. He graduated from Yale University in 1947 and started his long career in the oil and gas business shortly thereafter. He worked for Standard Oil of Indiana, Amoco, as a Professional Landman for almost 30 years, where he served as Manager of the Land Department of the New Orleans office. He then continued in the business with independent oil companies, Langham Petroleum as Vice President, and Crescent Oil and Gas as President. He also served as president of two professional associations, American Association of Professional Landmen in 1975, and Professional Landman Association of New Orleans in 1968. Upon retirement, he found a new interest in acting, and for about 15 years he was cast in many Little Theater plays – dramas as well as musicals. As a Political Science major, he also loved politics and enjoyed writing more than a few Letters to the Editor (most of which were published) to local newspapers as well as other publications. Many of his nights were spent at home debating with the "talking heads" on various news shows. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 6249 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124, on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 10 AM. Visitation with the family will begin at 9 AM. A Marine Corps honors service will follow the funeral in front of the church, followed immediately by a reception at the church. An online guestbook is available at www.theneworleansadvocate.com. In lieu of flowers, Wayne requested that donations be made in his honor to your favorite charity. Arrangements handled by NEPTUNE SOCIETY OF NEW ORLEANS, 3801 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70065, (504) 464-3095.