Clayton Henry Blankenship

Clayton was born in Pratt, KS on May 5th, 1946 to Henry and Alta (Ratlief) Blankenship. He grew up in Pratt and Medicine Lodge, graduating from Medicine Lodge High School and Pratt Community College.

On May 28, 1967 he married Judy (Grafing) at Medicine Lodge.

He worked in the oilfield, building stock trailers, for Barber County Road & Bridge, owned a steam cleaning company, and with his wife Judy, owned and operated Blankenship Company Insurance & Real Estate in Medicine Lodge, and then Spokane Creek Cabins & Campground and Sunfire Firefighting Service in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

He was a member of the Masons; the Kansas State and South Dakota Firefighters Assoc.; and the Sun City West Auto Restoration Club.

Clayton was also the former Chief of both the Barber County Volunteer Fire Department in Medicine Lodge, Kansas and of the Hayward Fire & Emergency Services in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Interests included muscle cars, motor-cross, and dog rescue.

He is survived by his wife of the home, their son Michael and wife Mary Kate, and grandson Christopher, all of Hutchinson, KS.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held in Sun City West on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 3:30pm at the First Baptist Church, 17419 N Conquistador Drive, Sun City West, Arizona.

A future service will be held in Kansas at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Clayton’s name be made to local dog rescues or volunteer fire departments. Condolences for the family may be left at www.advantagefunerals.com. Care entrusted to Advantage Golden Door Chapel, Youngtown, AZ.