David George Blankenbaker

David George Blankenbaker, 82
David George Blankenbaker was called home on January 1, 2026. He was born on October 7,1943 in Inavale, Nebraska to Myrl Strickland Blankenbaker and Marjorie Louise Humphrey. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and the Masonic Lodge in Nebraska. He was a proud veteran of the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Navy Seabees, and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. David was also a lineman for 35 years before he retired and served as a foreman to over 30 members of his crew. He was a resident of Okeechobee for the last 26 years and loved outdoor gardening, growing vegetables, caring for his goats, and mowing with his tractor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrl Strickland and Marjorie Louise Blankenbaker; and his brothers-in-laws, Butch Herrick and Larry Edgar.
He is survived by his wife of 7 years, Mary Jane Blankenbaker of Okeechobee, Florida; son, Jim Blankenbaker of Tampa, Florida; daughters, Sarah Garr of Key West, Florida and Tashi Bliss of Lake Orion, Michigan; sisters, Markeeta Herrick of Guide Rock, Nebraska and Rosemary Edgar (Bud) Herrick of Guide Rock, Nebraska; grandchildren, Julia, Jonah, and Sophie of Tampa, Florida, Tate of Key West, Florida, Torri and Bailey of Lake Orion, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Brinley and Bentley of Lake Orion, Michigan; and his best friends of 26 years Mellisa, Danny, and Jonathan of Okeechobee, Florida.
The memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in David George Blankenbaker's memory.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com. All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.