Yesterday was an incredibly difficult day. It was my first birthday without you here. Life just isn't the same, celebrations aren't the same. I miss you so very much. What I wouldn't give to hold your hand or walk with you one last time. I love you, Papa.

The saying "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" certainly applies to Mr. Blankenship and his son Terry.  Both men enjoyed old cars, motorcycles, gardening, pecan trees, birds/birdhouses, and ice cream!

When Terry became disabled in 2014, I became his full-time caregiver.  I was unprepared and overwhelmed.  Mr. Blankenship offered words of encouragement to me at times when I truly needed it.  I will always remember his support in our difficult situation.

My sincere condolences to the Blankenship's family in their loss. I had the honor to have known Tom during his "younger" years (what a trailblazer!)and unfortunately, during his final years. Thanks for your words of wisdom, advise and strength. You will be missed.

Seems like Papa and I were always at the breakfast table sharing some sort of dessert.  Yes, I suppose that is a Blankenship trait!

I am the luckiest daughter in the world. I was critically ill as a baby. 
It was a choice of the car or refrigerator payment or my medicine. They chose medicine. 

I have so many precious moments with Dad. Special memories like he would pick fresh flowers from his garden for my Mom and me.

He would even bring them to  the office to cheer me up.  Never a word exchanged, only a quiet understanding...he was thinking of me and he made me feel special.  

He was witty and funny and tough as nails. Dad could just give me "the eye" and I would cry--I never wanted to disappoint him.

I remember one Christmas as a single mom, I ran out of gas on Christmas Day.  He rescued me but he gave me "the eye".  The following Christmas, I had a flat tire--and, once again, he rescued me BUT he gave me "the eye". 

He would come to my high school football games and watch from the other side of the stadium through binoculars as I sat with the band.  Gosh, I didn't know "the eye" was even lurking then!

He gave me "the eye" so much, his eyesight began to fail him!

Dad had high expectations of his kids and was very proud of all his kids, grandkids and great- grandkids.  He may not have told US, but I know he told others.

Dad was a great prankster.  He was cooking breakfast one morning and cracked a double egg yolk. He told me it was a "rooster egg".  I didn't know roosters could lay eggs!! I told all the kids in my high school class (we were city kids you know).  He let me believe that for YEARS and would always just laugh when we spoke about it!

I have a great respect for Dad. Dad grew up poor in Eastern Oklahoma and was a self-made man (along with Mom of course!).   

Dad and Mom had a special love story.  They met on the school bus.  Mom was very shy and boys were picking on her in the bus.  He walked down the isle and told them to never pick on her again. (He probably gave THEM "the eye"!)  After that, she always saved a place for Dad.  Very brave for such a shy young girl....

Their courting consisted of going to Church together.  My Grandmom told my Mom that Dad was a good man because he treated his horse well. They loved each other for more than 35 years.

Dad had an incredible work ethic. Being raised on the farm, he was up a the crack of dawn and didn't pack it in until late evening hours.  He was a great example and good teacher for Terry and me.

We were blessed with some truly great caregivers--you know who you are--Trina, MS. B, Tasha, Jakob.  Thank you for caring for my sweet Dad during those long days but keeping a smile on his face!

In the end, I have never seen a person fight so hard to live for the opportunity to just walk or talk or love or live or dance just one last time.....  He sobbed the first time he could no longer place his arms around me when we hugged goodbye.

My Dad was a good man.

You are truly my Dad, my Friend, my Hero.  I will treasure our moments together for the remaining years of my life.

Thank you for all your sacrifices made for the love of your family.

Love,

Your daughter, "Deb"

This was a Good man,  He taught me life lessons I will never forget and will always thank him for taking me under his wing and showing me the ropes of life in a very difficult time in my young life.  Its hard to find a man with morals and character that were uncompromised.  He was a hand shake kind of guy and you could count on him to always treat you and everyone else with kindness and class.  Godspeed BOSS.

Marie Cadenhead treasured your calls and had fond memories of your Oklahoma days.

Tom was a dear friend and member of our Sunday School class.  He always called me Rabbi.  Then he explained that Rabbi meant Teacher.
  In October/November, we visited with Tom and this visit lasted for about 2 hours.  We wore him out and he wore us out.  We talked as fast as we could.  As we prepared to go, Sherry asked him if we could hug him.  He said Sure, and then we told Tom that we loved him.  In life, you have very few anymore who are true heroes to you.  Tom established himself as a true hero to us and we shared a special kind of love.  We say so long to our friend and buddy for a time.

Sorry for the loss of a dear loved one. May you find comfort during this grieving moment.  Psalm 105:4.

My sympathy goes out to the family.  He was a very sweet and good man.  Been a long time since have seen you all but old friends are never forgotten.  Ann and Terry hope you are doing alright.

My heart felt condolences to Terry and Ann.  I have so many happy memories of Leon and your family.    May our loving father hold you close

Boss was my employer, Father in Law, like a father to me, but most of all he was my friend for 43 years. I will miss you. My condolences to all the family. I love you.

I will miss this strong, loving man more than words can express.  He loved me like a daughter, and I loved him as a father.  He will always hold a special place in my heart.

Papa, how I miss you so! My heart aches like never before, but I know you are happy and pain free. In case I never told you, it has been an honor and privilege to be your granddaughter. The invaluable memories we've shared will be cherished always. Instead of chasing me with a fly swatter, you are now chasing your sweetheart in heaven!

I will always miss hearing the sound of your voice and spending time with you each day. I only hope I continue to make you proud with what's left in my life's journey and continue the lessons you've taught me. What a great mentor you've been. 

As for Robert, Addison, and Caroline, I'm so very blessed they've been able to know and love you like I have. They have each had their own special bond with you and I'm so thankful.

What will we ever do without our Papa? I've asked this question for years and still don't know the answer. All I do know is that you will always be with me in my heart and soul.  I look forward to the day we are reunited. I love and miss you immensly - Your Butthead.

We have lost a dear friend. Certainly missed but not forgotten. It was a blessing to have had Tom be a part of my life, my Texas father figure. So many good times and fond memories. Since our clocks haven't stopped, we must carry on and be strong!

My condolences to the Blankenship family on the passing of Thomas. I did not know him but I know his spirit lives on in his daughter, my friend Ann. My love and prayers to all of you now that he is in Heaven.
Susan Putters

My sincere condolences to Brother  Blankenship's  family in their loss of a their dear father, grandfather,and great grandfather.  Surely this day  was not  a funeral, but rather a  celebration of his life here and the assurance, in the Lord,  of his Home-going. Remember all the fond  stories and happy events of life to ease aside  the sadness in this temporary loss here on earth!

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times.

MHDSRIP our Thoughts and Prayers are with you Ann, at this difficult Time.
Ragen & Family

OBITUARY

Thomas L. Blankenship

12 February, 1932 – 27 April, 2017

Anderson-Clayton-Gonzalez Funeral Home

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