Paul Vernon Blanke Sr.

Paul Vernon Blanke Sr., 90 of Arroyo Grande California passed away from cardiac arrest, on Wednesday, December 19th, 2022, at Arroyo Grande Care Center.

Paul was born on August 4th, 1932, in St. Marys, Ohio to Hilda Madeline Thatcher and Paul Eugene Blanke. He had one sibling: Alice Ardatha. He married Dolly Jean Hambright, the mother of his five children, on June 24th, 1954, in Santa Ana, California.

He worked in the Aerospace industry for a company named Aerojet as a Quality Control Inspector where he received an excellence awarded for improved missel tube positioning. Paul was a certified X-Ray technician where he worked for Dr. Brower in his office for many years until he explored an opportunity as a route driver delivering Pepperidge Farm and Pogan’s. He then decided to go into business for himself and with his wife Dolly’s help opened a bread shop in the city of Orang CA. With the kids all grown up and desiring a more serine life, in 1980, Paul and Dolly relocated to Arroyo Grande CA. where he opened his own business; “Central TV and Video” servicing TVs, VCRs, and audio equipment for the San Luis Obispo County area until his retirement in 2014. He was an active church member, serving as a deacon at the Arroyo Grande Seventh-Day Adventist church where he contributed his expertise in audio video, designing, maintaining, and operating the sound equipment utilized during church services and events. He loved to play the organ and would fill in when needed playing during church services. We know he left a lasting impact on his Church and community, who undoubtedly enjoyed interacting with Paul at both his church and TV business. He and Dolly loved cats and had a soft spot for all cats that showed up at their door. Consequently, they had many cats, both indoor and outdoor. Paul pretended to complain at times that there were too many cats (which there were) and the need to get rid of them, but in the next moment you would find him spoiling, talking and petting them demonstrating that he was all talk and truly loved them as much as Dolly. Although his family was large and there wasn’t always a lot of money, Paul understood the importance of providing for his family, and always came through creating a great life for his family. The family trips to Disneyland, Knotts berry farm, fishing, golf, and the many trips to Silverado Canyon all special cherished time spent together. His love for the Dodgers and the tradition of falling asleep on the couch listening to Vin Scully was passed down from his father “Grandad” and subsequently passed along to his children, creating a Blanke tradition that promises to live on.

He is survived by his two Sons: Jerry Blanke and Paul Blanke Jr. “Bink”. Granddaughters: April, Janell, Sabrina, Courtney, Jacquie, Brittany, Caitlin, Mindy, and Jodi. Grandsons: Brian, Cody, Jesse, Christian, and Steven. Great-Granddaughters: Violet, Angelica, Bethany, Kaylie, and Jessica. Great-Grandsons: Justin, Alex and Benjamin. Great-Great-Granddaughters: Naomi, Maila, and Violet.

He is preceded in death by his sister: Ardatha, Mother: Hilda “Grandma”, and Father: Paul E Blanke “Grandad”. His daughters: Joanie and Bonnie. His son: Bruce.

Paul was a good man that loved God. His commitment to the lord enabled him to be a loving father, devoted friend, and responsible member of the church and community. We are forever grateful to him as the patriarch of the Blanke family and he will be sorely missed.

Paul’s service will be held on Saturday February 18th from 10am-11am at Fairhaven Memorial Park, Legacy Chapel, located at 1702 Fairhaven Ave. Santa Ana, CA. 92705.

In lieu of flowers currently, feel free to donate to your local animal rescue. Details on a reception to follow the celebration will be announced at the service.