Leroy Blankenship

He was a Staff Sargent in the US Air Force, serving from June 1942 until November 1945. He was stationed in the US until January 1944, where he attended several schools for airplane maintenance. He then went into the 20th Air Force in India where B-29’s were flying the Hump. In 1945 he was transferred to Tenian to the 21st Air Force where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. Leroy was employed in payroll with International Harvester for 8 years and was a cost accountant at Whirlpool for 28 years, from which he retired in 1984. He was a member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ for over 60 years. During that time, he served as an Elder for 3 years, Deacon for 9 years, a member of the church council for 12 years, was chairman of the construction committee, member of search committees and was a passionate member of the choir. He and his wife, Anna Mae, also coordinated the burgoo for many years.

Leroy is preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae (Kuhlman) Blankenship; second wife, Kathleen (Shoulders) Blankenship; step-mother, Myrtle (Muir) Blankenship; sister, Earletta Skinner, and brother, Arden Baker Blankenship.

He is survived by daughter, Mariann (Emil) Stock; sons, Darrell (Shirley) Blankenship and Keith (Becky) Blankenship; grandchildren, Derek Lee, Lane Joseph and Lillie Mae; step-grandchildren, Amanda Stock, Megan McGuyer, Samantha Roll, Nicole Alvey and Casandra Roll; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Rayma Braumschriber; brother, Billy Lane Blankenship, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 14, 2015, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 6400 Oak Hill Road, officiated by Rev. Mark Sirnic. Friends may visit Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Road and Saturday from 10:00 AM to service time at the church.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Heritage Hospice, the staff at Good Samaritan and his caregiver, Samantha Roll.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem United Church of Christ. Condolences may be made online at AlexanderNorthChapel.com.