David Warren Blankenship

David Warren Blankenship, 84, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, November 8, 2020.  He was born on September 17, 1936, in San Bernardino, CA to the late James Edward and Frances Olive Blankenship, the third of their five children.  He graduated from Los Angeles Pacific College in 1959 and went on to serve in the US Army as a Chaplain’s Assistant from 1960-1962 in Korea, where he particularly enjoyed his volunteer work in an orphanage outside of Seoul.  David married his “long-distance” sweetheart, Cathryn Rose Burge, on June 29, 1963. (They wrote to each other for over three years, 1959-1962, before finally meeting in person and ultimately becoming engaged. J) He pastored Free Methodist Churches in Hanford, CA (1964-1971), San Francisco, CA (1971-1973), and Stockton, CA (1973-1977) – where his skills and experience as a carpenter and in construction led to that final appointment during which he both pastored the flock and, along with another church member, general contracted the construction of both a new church building and a parsonage.  Following his pastoral service, David and Cathi moved to McPherson, KS, where he served for ten years on staff at Central College (now Central Christian College of Kansas).  He was last employed at National Cooperative Refinery Association (now CHS) from 1987-2000, before retiring early after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  After retiring, David and Cathi traveled and worked with McPherson Craftsmen for Christ from 2000-2005, building and renovating churches, campgrounds, and schools (including Oakdale Christian Academy near Jackson, KY).  Finally, in late 2008, the couple moved to Wilmore, KY.  In addition to his beloved Cathi, David leaves wonderful memories with his two sons, Wesley N. Blankenship and Bryan P. Blankenship (Carol), and one daughter, Christina Joy Mark (Shailesh); four grandchildren, Caleb Blankenship (Chloie), Sarah Garrett (Ethan), Anna Blankenship, and Vineet Mark; three great grandchildren, Judah, Tavish, and Lyella Blankenship; and brothers James, Arthur, and Clyde Blankenship.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister Arlene. The Blankenship family will honor David with a Celebration of Life at 11:30 AM Thursday, November 12, at the Wilmore Free Methodist Church, followed by a Graveside Service with military honors at 1:30 PM at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. The family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Serving as pallbearers are Caleb Blankenship, Ethan Garrett, Vineet Mark, Johnson Cannon, Wyndham Cannon, and Jerry Coleman. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of David may be made to the Wilmore Free Methodist Church designated for Missions. In observance of COVID precautions, the family asks that visitors please wear masks. Hager & Cundiff values nothing more than the trust placed in us to care for this precious loved one of the Blankenship Family. (This obituary was lovingly submitted by David’s family.)