Michael Blankenship

Michael Ray Blankenship Michael Ray Blankenship, 70, of Ozawkie, Kan., formerly of Lansing, died Sunday August 21, 2022, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born August 5, 1952, in St. Louis, Mo., to Bernard and Lily (Abel) Blankenship. Mike was the first of five siblings; Susan Neff, Bernie (Lisa), Anna Webb (Ron), and Lisa Ladner (Robert). Graduating in 1970 from Lansing High School, he married his high school sweetheart. They were blessed with two children Traci and Tod (LuAnn), and later three granddaughters. Mike retuned to Kansas in 1981; beginning employment at the Kansas State Penitentiary where he advanced ranks and met the love of his life, Sharon. They were graced with their two daughters, Cassie (Rod) and Katie (Daniel). Moving into the construction field, he owned Lansing Home Improvement and worked for several commercial large construction companies as a superintendent. Mike was an avid fan of the Chiefs and Royals, and a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He believed sports were important to kids, coaching soccer, basketball and softball teams. When not at work, he was always busy fixing, building or working on something for family or friends. Mike was the favorite of the neighborhood ladies, receiving lavish baked goods in exchange for his labors mowing grass or removing snow. Everyone knew they could count on him for a good conversation about sports or the outdoors, expecting some witty humor, the occasional practical joke or a "Glad you got to see me". The world is a little less bright without him. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Traci. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 25, 2022, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 14700 Leavenworth Rd, Basehor, KS 66007. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Mt. Muncie Cemetery, Lansing, Kan. Memorial contributions may be made to Risen Savior Lutheran Church.