Blaine (Lisenby) VanWinkle

Blaine was born on the first day of Spring, March 20, 1953 to Lorain Lisenby, in Richmond, Indiana. Although Blaine was born in Indiana, a part of him always stayed grounded in his proud Kentucky roots and heritage that he loved.

The first and foremost love of Blaine’s life was Jesus Christ. From a very early age he loved the Lord, felt His call, and remained strong in his faith until he passed into His presence on May 4, 2021. If you met Blaine, he would take the opportunity to ask you “Do you know Jesus?”. Whatever the answer, rest assured there would plenty of conversation over the answer to that question!

Blaine married Cleo (Brockman) Young in 1973 and together, they had three daughters; Stacey Lee (Tad) Schrock, Nita Kay (Paul) Gayheart, and Natisha/Dink (Mike) Ball. Blaine’s love for his daughters was pure and true, and they were the apples of his eye. He married Linda (Alvey) VanWinkle on February 21, 2006 and they shared a wonderful life and partnership together. Blaine loved the outdoors. Camping, fishing, golfing, and being connected with nature was like being at home for him. He taught his daughters to love, embrace, and honor the beauty in these things when they were very young. He enjoyed playing Horse Shoes at his Grandma’s house, and Euchre with anyone willing to pretend he wasn’t cheating a little bit. His bible was always near by and he read from it everyday. He loved to dance, pick the banjo, and strum his guitar.

Blaine will be so missed by everyone that knew him. His simple outlook on life, his passion for Jesus, his humble demeanor, and deep love for those around him, was inspiring.

Blaine was blessed with three sisters; Fonda Wilds, Liberty (Marilyn) Tevis, Tami Blalok, his step-aughters Angie Alvey, Mary Alvey and his many grandchildren that share such endearing stories; Christian (Arielle) Thompson, Harley (Steven) Phillips, Natalie (Jacob) Payeur, Roxanne Schrock, Samantha (Evan) Melching, Alexus Lisenby, Jacob (Lexi) Lisenby, Chandler Newsome, Isaiah (Emily) Cureton, Reagan Cureton, and Riah Heitkamp, Cody Jablonski, Jonathan Jablonski, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, George and Lorain Lisenby.

A private family service will be held at the Wilds Cemetery in McKee, Kentucky on Saturday, May 8, 2021.

Memorials in Blaine's honor may be directed to the family to assist with funeral expenses c/o Natisha Ball, 6715 Lynvale Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46804, or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road Fort Wayne, IN 46814.