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Submitted: 10/22/17 • Approved: 11/27/20 • Last Updated: 11/30/20 • R1199672-G0-S3
March 18, 1931 - August 14, 2016
Husband of Melba Blandenship
Obituary
R. J. Dean Blankenship, 85, of Melbourne, died Sunday, August 14, 2016 at his home.
He was born in Knob Creek, Arkansas on March 18, 1931 to Commie and Elmar Earl (Haynes) Blankenship.
R. J. retired from the Arkansas Highway Department and was a cattle farmer. He loved raising cattle and he was never afraid of hard work. He loved hunting, horseback riding, and working on the farm. R. J. was involved with elections and served as a judge at Knob Creek. He also served as a Township Committeeman for the Athens Township and he was a member of the Belview Baptist Church in Melbourne. R. J. was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Melba Joy (Rush) Blankenship of Melbourne; son, Allen Blankenship and wife, Debra, of Batesville; daughters, Joy Frizzell and husband, Jim of Melbourne and Kristie Diaz and husband, Rayner, of Katy, Texas; five grandchildren, Christopher Blankenship, Cynthia Blankenship, Chad Blankenship, Keigan Cole, and Destiny Diaz. Other survivors include a sister, Shirley Weaver and husband, Vohn, of Melbourne.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bennie Hayden Blankenship; three brothers, Thomas Blankenship, Roland ''Shorty'' Blankenship, Jack Blankenship; and two sisters, Eunice Sartin and Bethal Rush.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at Combs Cemetery in Melbourne with Bro. Doyne Robertson and Bro. Jess Sumrall officiating.
Contributed on 10/22/17 by sandhollow
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Record #: 1199672