David J. “Dave” Blankenship Sr., 65, of Bellevue, passed away at 6:31 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Kindred Hospital in Peoria. Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2013, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria, with Pastor Jay Arnold officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, prior to services. Interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, at a later date. Dave was born on May 10, 1948 in Peoria, the son of David T. and Grace Elizabeth (Pethick) Blankenship. He married Mabel K. Shutts on August 27, 1971 in Peoria. She survives. He is also survived by his parents of Germantown Hills; son, David J. Blankenship Jr. of Bellevue; daughters, Cynthia (Paul) Skaggs of Peoria and Beth Blankenship of Canton; sisters, Sharon (Gary) Moushon of Speer, Peggy (Jim) Maddox of Sahuarita, AZ, Carol (Dennis) Harper of Lewistown, Debbie (Pat) Ruder of Groveland, Connie Ryley of Alvaredo, TX and Becky Hoffman of Creve Coeur; brother-in-law, Leslie Shutts of East Peoria; sister-in-law, Sue Allen of Peoria; granddogs, Charm and Sable; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild due in October; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Dave retired on June 3, 2010 as a pan stacker operator for Butternut/Hostess, after forty-three years of service. He was a U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran, serving from January 3, 1968 to December 16, 1969, earning National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a member of BCTGM Union Local 1 and his family is members of Cross Baptist Church in Groveland.Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to the Dream Center Peoria.
| Melvin Durre |
Mr |
July 9, 2013 |
So sorry to hear of Jim 's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
mel and Mary Durre, Fruitand Park, Fl
| Toby, Grace and Family |
Condolences |
June 24, 2013 |
Sincere Sympathy on the loss of your son,brother and husband.
Harriett Virden and Family
| Jan & Glori Breitbarth |
Deepest Sympathies |
June 24, 2013 |
Dear Dave, Grace & Family;
Mom & I wish to express our deepest sympathies on your loss of Dave.
You are in our prayers & hearts!
With deepest sympathy,
Jan & Glori
| Gary Lumberry |
condolences |
June 23, 2013 |
Dennis & Carol,Our deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow.
Gary & Rogena Lumberry and Jeremy Eagle & Rachel Bohannon & Lisa Bohannon
