Charles Blankenship, age 82 of Marion, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday July 21, 2016.
Chuck was born on June 5, 1934 in South Lebanon, Ohio, the son of Oscar and Elizabeth D. (Gildea) Blankenship. Chuck was a graduate of Harding High School in the class of 1953. He worked as a mechanic, serving for over 40 years at Matthews Ford.
Chuck fell in love with a girl named Patricia Ann Rawlins and began dating for a couple of years. In 1959, they were married and shared 57 years of marriage together.
Chuck was a man of many talents and he had a fondness for tinkering with all kinds of things. He and Pat have lived in their home for 52 years and in that time he slowly but surely renovated the entire home. Being a mechanic, he of course had a love of cars, especially the Ford Mustang. He was a collector of countless items from pins to ash trays and much more. Reading about WWII and watching Westerns were of great interest. Traveling was also an interest that Chuck and Pat shared. Going out West was a favorite; traveling Route 66 and visiting the nation’s National Parks were also fond and cherished memories. Over the years Chuck helped to organize many of his high school class reunions, serving as the class treasurer. He was also a longtime member of the Marion First Church of the Nazarene. Above all, the most cherished times and memories were those that he shared with his family. Family was Chuck’s most valued treasure and being a father to Charles and a grandpa to Wesley were his proudest achievements.
Like many others, Chuck was drafted and proudly served in the United States Army to defend our freedoms. He had a great love of country and a sense of duty and honor. Most recently, Chuck had been a loyal member of the Marion County United Veterans Council; he stood alongside his comrades of the Armed Forces on the coldest of winter days and the hottest of the summer sun to honor those veterans who have gone on before. Now it is his time to be honored for his sacrifice and service.
He is survived by his devoted wife Patricia Blankenship; his loving son Charles C. and daughter-in-law Betsy Blankenship; beloved grandson Wesley L. Blankenship; siblings: June Webb and David Blankenship and nieces and nephews.
Chuck is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Patrick Blankenship, Jewel Roth and Carol Blankenship.
Graveside services will be held on Monday July 25, 2016 at Marion Cemetery in the Old Section at 10:30 AM; Rev. Ken Durtsche will be officiating and the Marion County United Veterans Council will provide military honors.
If so desired, donations may be made to the Marion County United Veterans Council.
The Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Blankenship family and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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