of Melbourne,
December 2, 1921 - December 16, 2014
Robert Cleveland Blankenship, 93, of Melbourne, died Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at a nursing home in Melbourne.
He was born December 2, 1921 in Melbourne to Ted and Finnie Asilee (Neal) Blankenship.
He had worked as a fabricator at McDonald/Douglas. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II and was a member of the Twin Creek Church of Christ.
He gave many hours to community service and enjoyed being around people. He liked to working with wood, gardening and fishing. His family was the most important part of his life.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Lois (Gillihan) Blankenship of Melbourne; three daughters, Lois Pearson and her husband, Carroll of Prescott, Arkansas, Pat McCurley and her husband, Keith of Wideman, Arkansas, and Martha Wilkerson and her husband, Danny of Melbourne; four grandchildren, Tina Martin, Melissa Martin, Travis Wilkerson, and Lacey Johnson; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Zelpha Riggs of Batesville; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Charlotte Tankersley, two brothers, Nelson Blankenship, and Willie Blankenship; and two sisters, Edith Morehead, and Jessie Blankenship.
Pallbearers will be Alan Love, Tony Watson, Jeff Gillihan, Mike Gillihan, Roger Gillihan, and Dennis Gillihan. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Wright, Burton Lamb, Charles Lamb, Kenny Morrison, Jimmy Muncy, Charles Smith, Glen Hunt, and Larry Shaw.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Roller-Crouch Chapel in Melbourne with Tim Wooldridge officiating. Burial will follow at Combs Cemetery in Melbourne under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Melbourne.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Sorry to hear of your loss.a
All our sympathy to you.God bless each of you.
Pat, Lois, Martha, and all the Blankenship family. We are praying for you in your time of sorrow. May the good Lord hold you in His loving arms.
Dorothy & Walter
So sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy. May God Bless all of your family.
Martha & Family, So sorry for your loss. We enjoyed the times spent with him at birthday parties. Love & prayers, Dennis & Teresa
So sorry to hear of your loss, I was proud to know this gentleman and his family, I remember a gift of wood he gave to me and my brother while visiting, a pleasure to meet his wife and daughter, my prayers are with you and may god comfort you all, blessings sent to all family, I am the grand daughter Truman & Cora Neel)I would like to stay in touch please e-mail me, your cousin Mary
Pat:
Sending prayers to comfort you in the loss of your dad. Love you.
Cleveland will always be remembered for his kindness and soft spoken voice. Good coworker also..To the family..you have my sympathy.
Martha, so sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly missed. Always such a pleasant man. Our love and prayers are with you.
You were the greatest great grandpa that we will miss and cherish daily!! I'm so blessed to have known you during the short time I had you in my life!! Thank you for accepting me in your family and giving me wonderful memoires that my family and I have shared with you! I will never forget you Pop!!! Love and miss you dearly, love always Monica, your great grandson Zach, and your great great grandson Jayden!!!!
Pat and family my love, thoughts,
and prayers are with you at this time may God bless you. Anita
Mom Pearson, Tina, and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Lean on the arms of Our Heavenly Father during this difficult time and in the days ahead. Love, hugs, & prayers coming y'all's way! â¤ï¸ðŸ™â¤ï¸
we are sorry for the loss of Your Dad Martha you all are in our thoughts and Prayers
With Love:
Our Favorite Checker At Home Town Market
David Helm Steve & Connie Wheeler
so sorry for your loss Pat&Martha&Lois&all the family
deepest sympathy
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Cleveland. He was one of my favorites. My heart goes out to all of you. I know he will be greatly missed by so many. My love to you all.