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William BLANKENSHIP Obituary
William R. Blankenship, Sr.
DAWSON- William R. Blankenship, Sr., 86, died at noon on March 16, 2013, at home in Dawson.
He was born November 14, 1926, in Springfield, the son of Ora and Bessie (Trout) Blanken-ship Sr. He married Janet (Chalcraft) Blankenship on July 14, 2001. He is preceeded in death by his parents; a son; five sisters: Helen Bolinger, Evelyn Kidd, Donna Douglas, Shirley Morris and Juanita Balderrama; three brothers: Louis Whetzel, Robert Blank-enship, and Francis "Babe" Blankenship.
He was a World War II veteran serving in the Pacific Theatre.
He worked as an autobody repair and frame specialist for 52 years. He started his own business at his home in Dawson and later moved the business to South Grand in Springfield as Blankenship's Autobody and Frame. He retired in 1998.
He loved playing his guitar, dobro, mandolin, and harmonicas and getting together with his family. He loved antique cars and restored several, winning awards in auto shows.
Survivors include his wife, Janet Blankenship of Dawson. He has four children: William R. Blankenship, Jr., (wife, Darlene) from Terrell, Texas, Glenna Mae (husband, Todd) Hancock of Grand Prairie, Texas, Gary R. (wife Robin) Blankenship of Colchester, CT, and Terry J. Blankenship of Irving, Texas; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grand-children; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also has three sisters, Almeda Horsfall of Indiana, Denzil DeVaney and Linda Marvel both of Springfield; two brothers: Ora Blankenship, Jr. and Fred (wife, Nancy) Blankenship both of New Berlin. He has five brothers-in-law, James Douglas of Springfield, Harold Morris of Kansas City, MO, David Chalcraft of Ellery, Gary (wife, Cathy) Chalcraft of Mt. Carmel, and Lyndell Chalcraft of Phoenix City, AL., one sister-in-law, Anita (husband Lewis) Blackford of Browns, IL; and his in-laws, Elmer and Jean Chalcraft of Ellery
Visitation: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Staab Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday March 21, 2013, at Staab Funeral Home with Doug Trew officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail.
Memorial Donations may be made to Lincoln Land Baptist Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for William BLANKENSHIP
Lori Beagles
March 21, 2013
Janet, I am so sorry for your loss. May memories and love help you through this time.
Stephenie Smith
March 20, 2013
Love to you,the only grandpa I ever had.
Your granddaughter, Stephenie
March 20, 2013
Todd Hancock
Deborah Bollinger-Klauzer
March 20, 2013
Sorry to hear of Uncle Bill's passing.
Steve Smith
March 19, 2013
My sympathies and prayers to you, Janet and Bill's family on your loss.
Mae & Madison Douglas
March 19, 2013
Farewell Uncle Bill....give Grandma Donna a kiss for us!!
Derek Lindsey
March 19, 2013
Janet, I am very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Jeanette Johnson
March 19, 2013
So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers go out to you. May Angels watch over you and give you peace and comfort during this time.
Christine Shown
March 19, 2013
You were a wonderful light this world will miss. The smiles you brought on will never be forgotten. I love you.
Tonia Tipton
March 19, 2013
I love you Grandpa!! You will be terribly missed!! Watch over us until we meet again! I love you!
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