William R Blankenship

William R. Bill Blankenship age 73 of Westville, passed away at 7:49 am Friday April 11, 2008 at Provena USMC in Danville. He was born June 15, 1934 in Cape Girardeau, MO, the son of Major and Faye Nelson Blankenship. Bill married Loretta Benson in Cape Girardeau, MO, she survives, as well as: his four sons, Jim (Deb) Blankenship of AL, Terry Ray Blankenship of Westville, Craig (Trina) Blankenship of Danville and Trever (Kathy) Blankenship of Ridge Farm; his 10 grandchildren; his 7 great-grandchildren; his two brothers, Charles (Patsy) Blankenship of Westville and Don Blankenship of Cape Girardeau, MO; and his sister, Doris Mackey of Farmington, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and a grandson. Bill was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Bill retired from General Motors with over 20 years of service. He enjoyed taking drives to Forest Glen with his son Ray and also enjoyed sitting on his front porch visiting with his friends, Dave and Wanda Vecellio, and many others as well. Most of all, he loved his family and especially his grandchildren. They will miss him very much. A celebration of life graveside service for Bill Blankenship will be 10:00 am Wednesday April 16, 2008 at Danville National Cemetery, 1900 E. Main St. Danville, IL. Officiating will be Pastor Curt Darling. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion post 51 of Westville. Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel of Westville is in charge of arrangements.