Edward Blankenship

Edward Blankenship, age 79, of Valier, IL died Saturday, March 31, 2012 in the Fair Acres Nursing Home in Duquoin. Edward was born in Springfield, IL on September 3, 1932 to the late Jim and Lucile (Eads) Blankenship. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War as a Sgt. Edward retired from Volkswagen of America as a Mechanic and District Service Manager.

On March 20, 1959 in California he married the former Mary (Pfister) formerly of Ridgway. His passion in life was the mechanics of cars, loved to build and fly Remote Control Airplanes, fish, and Off-Road Racing. He was a true hobbyist and was able to fix almost anything. He was a good husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed.

Edward is survived by his wife, Mary (Pfister) Blankenship of Valier, a son, Jim (Donna) Blankenship of Hesperia, CA, a daughter, Diana (David) Whitney of San Luis Obispo, CA, a grandson, Kenny (Aj) Keppler of Atlanta, GA and a brother, Mel & Lou Blankenship of St. Petersburg, FL.

Funeral service for Edward will be on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway starting at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until funeral time on Wednesday. Rev. Eric Williams will officiate and interment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Ridgway. Military rites will be conducted at the gravesite.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com