Willard Blankenship

Rev. Willard Blankenship, 83, of Gallipolis, Ohio passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at the Holzer Medical Center. He was born on September 7, 1928 in Vinton, Ohio, son of the late John H. Blankenship and Edith Gates Blankenship Yates. Willard retired from OVEC with 35 years of service and had been Pastor of the Apostolic Gospel Church for 46 years. Willard served in the U.S. Army during Korea. Willard was married to Edna Hall Blankenship on September 1, 1951 in Oak Hill, Ohio and she survives him in Gallipolis. He is also survived by two daughters Rebecca Russell, LaDonna (Gary) Miller, and a son David (Kathy) Blankenship all of Gallipolis, two grandchildren; three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers Raymond, Thomas and Joseph Blankenship, and by three sisters Helen McDowell, Gladys Gee, and Anna Ballard. Services will be 1 pm Friday, January 6, 2012 at the Apostolic Gospel Church with Pastor J. Mark Jordan officiating. Burial will follow in the Centenary Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 6-8 pm at Willis Funeral Home. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.