Luther W. Blankenship, 102, of Johnston City, passed away on Friday, February 05, 2016 at 8:18 am at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
Luther was born November 28, 1913 in Williamson County the son of Richard and Isa (Watson) Blankenship. He married Geneva Pike on February 14, 1935 in Williamson County and together they were blessed with over 65 years of marriage until her death on August 16, 2000.
He answered the call to serve his county in the Army during WWII. Luther was a proud member of the Marion V.F.W. Ritual Team, actively serving until he was 96 years old. He retired from E.N. Baker Chevrolet where he was a mechanic for over 30 years. He was a member of the I.A.M.
Survivors include his;Three daughters;
JoAnn Ena of Pittsburg
Barbara Brocker and husband Ralph of Marion
Sue Kirkpatrick of Christopher
Two son-in-laws;
Michael Belcher
Joe Wall
Twenty Grandchildren
Twenty-eight Great Grandchildren
Twenty-one Great Great Grandchildren
Special Niece – Georgia Grann-Brodie of New York
Several nieces
Preceded by his Parents, Wife – Geneva Blankenship, Son – Ronald Luther Blankenship, two Daughters – Connie Wall, Vivian Belcher, four Sisters – Ruth Stokes, Myrl Lothen, Ruby Adams and Margaret Phillabuan.
Graveside services will be Monday, February 8, 2016 at 1 pm in Cana Cemetery in Goreville. Military rites will be presented by members of the Marion V.F.W. Post #1301, American Legion Post #137 and National Guard Flag Detail Unit. Visitation will be Monday from Noon until the time of service at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.
For those who prefer memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Shriner Children’s Hospital or the Elks Children’s Care Fund. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois 62959