George A. Blankenship

George A. Blankenship, 77, of Springfield, passed away at 9:10 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at Auburn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. George was born August 31, 1932, the son of Charles and Tiny Baumgardner Blankenship. He married Carol L. Lamb on May 27, 1989 in Springfield. George attended Litchfield High School and moved to Springfield in 1946 where he lived for the remainder of his life. He began working as a school bus driver for Everest Transportation in Springfield and in 1973 he, and the owners of Everest Transportation, formed Capitol Tours. In addition to serving as co-owner of the company, he also drove the buses until 2007. George was a member of First United Methodist Church in Springfield. He enjoyed traveling with his tour passengers, vacationing in Florida during the winter, and watching NASCAR; but most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles and John Blankenship; three half-brothers; and four half-sisters. George is survived by his wife, Carol; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. The family will receive visitors from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, IL 62711.