Charles William Blankenship, 88, of Texico, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, in St. Louis, Missouri.
He was born August 28, 1935, in Marion County, Illinois, the son of Frank and Blanche (Price) Blankenship. On January 20, 1956, in Dix, Illinois, he married Rose Marie McKinney, and she survives.
He graduated from Salem Township High School, and worked for many years at Chicago Bridge and Iron, traveling to multiple states to install water towers and bridges. He later worked for several years at Egyptian Concrete. He enjoyed racing stock cars, pulling tractors, and built a championship midget racecar. He also enjoyed fishing, and farming.
In addition to his wife, Rose Marie Blankenship of Texico, he is survived by one son, Michael Gene Blankenship and wife Deborah of Mt. Vernon; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Steven Wayne Blankenship; a brother, David Blankenship; and two sisters, Joyce Dace and Eleanor Johnson.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites for Mr. Blankenship have been accorded, and his family will be hosting a service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Union Chapel Cemetery, and will be accepted by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.
