Burnest "Bud" Elzy Blankenship

Burnest (Bud) Elzy Blankenship, 87, passed awaySunday, November 23, 2014. He was born September 27, 1927, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, but grew up in Bridgeport, Oklahoma. In 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Esther. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary last Christmas. Bud joined the Navy at age 16 and served in WWII. After completing his service he returned home to Oklahoma and finished high school. He entered the University of Oklahoma and graduated 3 ½ years later with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bud started his aerospace career with Douglas Aircraft in Tulsa, Oklahoma. From there his job took him took him to Charlotte, North Carolina, before moving to Florida to make his contribution to the space program. He worked on the Apollo/Saturn, Delta and Space Shuttle programs and retired from McDonnell-Douglas in 1984 after 32 ½ years. Following his retirement, he and Esther enjoyed many years of exploring the USA in their motorhome. Bud was an excellent woodworker and made many beautiful things for their home, family and friends.

Bud was a very loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Esther; son, Michael (Patty); daughter, Lynn Grimes (Roy); daughter, Lu Ann Harris; five grandchildren: Brandy (Sean), Sherry, Aaron, Katharine and Scott and two great-grandchildren: Caleb and Kason. He has two surviving sisters, Joanna Massey and Gayle Bullock.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 26th from 10:00-11:00am with Funeral Services at 11:00 at Brevard Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of St Francis or the American Cancer Society