Cecil Edgar Blankenship, 86, of Jamestown went to meet Jesus peacefully Tuesday, May 26, 2020, while working on his lawn mower in his garage at home.
Cecil was born Feb. 1, 1934, to Virgil and Ethel (Branson) Blankenship. Cecil married the love of his life, Margaret Gordon, on Oct. 19, 1950. Together, they raised four boys on their farm just outside of Jamestown, Cecil (Maggie) of Lebanon, Jim (Janet) of New Ross, Mike (Luann) of New Ross and Jeff.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Jeff; and several nieces and nephews.
Cecil was a 50-year Free Mason in the Hazelrigg Lodge #200. He retired from the Indianapolis Star News. Cecil was in the Local 440 Union as a pipefitter (NOT A DAMN PLUMBER). Cecil took pride in his woodworking skills in his shop at home. He loved being outside, hunting, fishing, gardening and mowing his yard.
Cecil had many names — Cecil, Dad, Pappaw, Grandpa, Big Pappaw, Great Pappaw and Old Pappaw. He was called each of these names in love by many. He greeted others with “you ugly ole’ cuss.”
He loved all 10 of his grandkids hard, Tracy (Brandi) Blankenship of Lebanon, Kris (Meghan) Blankenship of New Ross, Becky (Dennis) McKinney of Crawfordsville, Scot (Kourtney) Blankenship of Lebanon, Tammy (Gary) Williams of New Ross, Josh Blankenship of New Ross, Kim (Jeremiah) Bloss of Jamestown, Julie (Jamie) Rutan of Indianapolis, Kari (Kevin) Templeman of Indianapolis and Vickey (Jared) Robinson of Indianapolis. Cecil was blessed with and adored his 20 great-grandchildren. He also had an adopted family, Dave and Enika Dobbs of Jamestown with three children.
Funeral services will be held at Porter Funeral Home, Jamestown. Visitation for family and close friends will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 29. Graveside service for family will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30 at the Jamestown Cemetery.
Cecil lived a full life many would strive for. He loved Jesus with his whole heart and will be missed greatly.
Godspeed Pappaw.
“Mom, I’m ready to go.”
