What is your first memory of Richard? Share a favorite memory you have of Richard. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Richard. Describe a time when Richard made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Richard? Talk about a shared experience you had with Richard. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Richard. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Richard. What is something you learned from Richard?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Richard M. Blankenship

Obituary

Guest Book

About

Central State University University of Central Oklahoma University of Cincinnati Xavier University

Richard Blankenship Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 7 to Mar. 8, 2017.

Richard M. Blankenship, 76, of Hillsboro, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Hospice of Cincinnati.

He was born in Fleming, Ky. on Aug. 10, 1940, the son of the late Stanley Ernest and Lula (Alley) Blankenship.

Mr. Blankenship was a U.S. Army veteran, a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church, and served as superintendent at St. Mary's Catholic School. He was a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the BPO Elks 361 and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1161.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Central State University, his master's degree from the University of Cincinnati and his educational administration degree from Xavier University. He served as an assistant special teams coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. Richard had taught at Southern State Community College and East Clinton High School. In 1976, he was employed by the Finneytown Local Schools as the physical education teacher at Brent and Cottonwood elementary schools. In addition to teaching during his time with Finneytown, he started the tumbling team and held various coaching positions in the district football, swimming and track programs. Richard coached recreational volleyball, elementary intramural sports and elementary gymnastics. He also served in curriculum development for the district physical education program.

He would be remembered by past fifth grade students as a camp supervisor, a role he assumed in 1983 and continued even in his retirement until 2010. Richard retired from teaching in Finneytown in 2003. In his letter to the Finneytown Board of Education announcing his retirement, Richard stated, "I will miss being with students and parents, but it's time to hang up my gym shoes."

He is survived by three children, Rob (Sonya) Blankenship of Hillsboro, Denise (Charles) Brooke of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Michelle (Eric) Hiatt of Louisville, Ky.; 10 grandchildren, Ashley Blankenship, R. J. (Tiffany) Blankenship, Holly (Mike) Dobie, Kevin Claypool, Brian (Laura) Claypool, Austin Brooke, and Jamison, Jake, Jackson and Ella Jayne; one great-grandson, Lucas Claypool; one sister, Judy (Bill) Henning of West Chester; three sisters-in-law, Rita K. Blankenship of Hillsboro, Peggy Blankenship of Xenia and Linda Wright of Indianapolis, Ind.; his longtime companion, Carol Pence of Cincinnati; and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 10 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hillsboro. Father Mike Paraniuk will be the celebrant. Burial, with military honors presented by the Highland County Veterans Honor Guard, will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Turner & Son Funeral Home in Hillsboro.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, Ohio 45263-3597.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Richard Blankenship's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

March 20, 2017

Randy Parsons posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2017

Sarah Cash Crawford posted to the memorial.

March 11, 2017

Nicole Adams posted to the memorial.

10 Entries

Randy Parsons

March 20, 2017

I was one of Rich's principal in Finneytown, and will remember him as a teacher who cared deeply about his students. He always had a joke or a story. The students always looked forward to his class! Rest in peace, Mr. B.

Sarah Cash Crawford

March 11, 2017

Mr. Blankenship was my elementary school gym teacher and I'm now 31 years old with a child of my own. I think of him regularly and was just telling my husband how great he was. I remember when he brought a bunch of us students out to his farm and showed us all the equipment and I literally thought it was the coolest thing ever! I have a great picture of he and I from Camp Campbell Gard that I treasure because it reminds me of my favorite teacher. He gave everything to us students. He was always there for us. I can vividly remember not bringing gym clothes to school on multiple occasions and he just didn't have the capacity to be a stickler on the policy! He will be dearly missed but always remembered for his kind, gentle soul. And his tan! Rest is peace Mr. B!

Nicole Adams

March 11, 2017

Mr. Blankenship, Lord you were an awesome teacher, a caring man whom loved everyone he came in contact with...i can remember having him for a PE Class substitute for Mr.V...at Whitaker...God received a true Angel..he was an awesome person and memorable...i remembered from 20 something years ago. To his family we will pray for all of you...Hearts go out to you all.

Sharon Furlong

March 9, 2017

Mr. B was my P.E. colleague and friend. He cared deeply about his students. Such a good man. Rest in peace, Rich.

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Kelley (Lepley) Schubert

March 9, 2017

Richard was a wonderful, caring co-worker and friend. As a young teacher, far from home, he encouraged me to bravely take on the challenges of being a passionate advocate for children. I treasure my memories of time spent laughing and crying in his arms. He made me laugh and showed me that it was OK to enjoy life even when things were hard. Go with God dear friend.

Carrie Amann

March 8, 2017

Mr. Blankenship was a man that my boys absolutely adored. They even spent time with him at his cabin after they graduated & recently said they couldn't wait to go back. We had no idea he was sick or would've made it a point to visit him. He will definitely be missed by the Amann Family.
Thank you Richard Blankenship for the memories our family will cherish. You were truelly a big part of CNE.

Stephanie Harmon

March 8, 2017

Mr B was the most caring man i have ever had been blessed knowing. He was a rare educator that would go over and beyond his means to help his students. He was even there to help us parents. He showed compassion in every situation and even gave the troubled one's a reason to b better. He will b missed so very much. So very sad to hear of his passing. Rest in perfection MR B

Bob Humble

March 8, 2017

Richard was one of the funniest and most interesting people I ever worked with. He could make anyone smile and I will miss him.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Rhonda Campbell

March 8, 2017

I have such fond memories of Richard from when we worked together at CNE HS and from his help with KAMP Dovetail. My condolences to your family.
Rhonda Campbell

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Funeral Services Provided By

Turner & Son Funeral Home and Crematory

602 N High Street P.O. Box 127, Hillsboro, OH 45133