Paul David Blankenship

Paul David Blankenship passed away Sunday, May 14, 2017 at his home. Paul David Blankenship was born in Wayne, West Virginia on July 26, 1949. Paul graduated from Wayne High School in 1967. He received his Bachelor's Degree in 1971 from Glenville State College in Glenville, West Virginia. In 1980 he competed a Master's Degree from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. He continued his education with postgraduate work in Educational Administration by attending The Ohio State University, Marshall University, University of Dayton, Ohio University, and The University of Rio Grande. He also completed his Superintendent's Licensure Program at Ohio University. Throughout his educational career, Paul worked in the Wayne, South Point, Wellston and Jackson City School Districts where is also coached football and various other sports including: baseball, track, volleyball, and girls' basketball. From 1996 to 2006 he served as Assistant Principal and Principal at Jackson Middle School. In 2006, Paul retired and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Paul is preceded in death by his mother Pauline (Barnett) Blankenship, his father and stepmother, Jay and Jean Blankenship, grandparents Sally and Irvin Blankenship, and brother Chuck Liebee. Paul is survived by his wife, Diane (Powers) Blankenship; his children: Brent Blankenship, Jay (Mandee) Blankenship, Molly Blankenship, Beth (Shawn) Osborne; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenny and Linda Engelbrecht. Paul is also survived by his five grandchildren: Jordan Banks, Holden Blankenship, Kendal Osborne, Landon Osborne, and Kingston Blankenship; and siblings: Pam (David) Earp, Joanne (Wayne) Carriveau, Mike (Mary) Blankenship, nephew Jimmy Fisher and niece Ashley (Adam) Tripp. Paul was an avid Cleveland Browns and Marshall fan. His passion was football. Throughout his years of teaching and coaching, Paul touched many lives with his generous, kind and understanding nature. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. Calling hours will be at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, with Rosary Service to follow. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 17, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Joseph Yokum, Father Stephen Smith and Father Joseph Trapp officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul's memory to the Wellston City Schools Track Fund, 1 E. Broadway St., Wellston, Ohio 45692 and the JHS Alumni Scholarship Fund, C/O Vicki Williams, 4335 Jisco West Road, Jackson, Ohio 45640. Condolences may be emailed to: mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com