Mr. Blankenship was born Jan. 5, 1924, in Logan, W.Va. He married Virginia on June 25, 1960, in Oscoda, Mich. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force as technical sergeant in 1965 after 22 years of service. He also worked as a tool-and-dye maker for Federal Mogul Manufacturing for 18 years.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from 1943 to 1945, during which time he was awarded the Purple Heart, European and Africa and Middle Eastern service stars, World War II victory medal, the Bronze Star and combat infantry badge. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, he received the Korean service medal, United Nations service medal, National Defense service medal, good conduct medal, Air Force longevity service award and Air Force outstanding unit award.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, a life member of the Scottish Rite, the Isis Shrine, the Isis Patrol, Salina Masonic Lodge No. 60 and VFW Post No. 1432 and a lifetime member of Elks Lodge No. 718.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of Salina; two sons, James of Tampa, Fla., and Greg of Wichita; four daughters, Janet Carter of Buchanan, Tenn., Erin Bender of Salina, Bobbie Rash of Newark, Del., and Lori Werth of Alpena, Mich.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salina. Burial will be in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials may be made to the church.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401.