Johnnie Russell Blankenship, 82, passed away Saturday, August 17, at his residence in Lebanon. He was born August 23, 1941 in London, Kentucky to the late Levi and Evelyn (George) Blankenship.
In July of 1961 he entered the United States Army and proudly served his country for six years as an E5 Sargeant. In December of 1961 he married the love of his life, Marcia Allen. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this past December and lived their entire married life around Boone County. Together they had three children, Johnnie (Angela) Blankenship of Jamestown, Jessica (Michael) Vertrees of Radcliff, Kentucky and Troy (Paula) Blankenship of Brookston; brothers, Charlie (Karen) Blankenship, Cliff Blankenship and Jerry (Kathy) Blankenship; sister Odetta William of San Antonio, Texas; ten grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
He spent his life working in construction with over twenty years at Poindexter Excavating before his retirement.
John was an avid outdoorsman often spending his days hunting, fishing and golfing. He enjoyed spending time with his family, working around the house and loved his Country. He was a member of the Laborers and Hod Carrier Union and Lighthouse Christina Fellowship in Brownsburg.
Family and friends will gather on Thursday, August 22 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev Jeff Culver officiating in the Strawmyer and Drury Mortuary, 2400 N Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052. You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.
