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LT DON BLANKIN
Forward Observer, Fire
Direction Officer
A/2/35; C/2/35
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AUG 6, 1947 - JULY 29, 2021
DONALD
LEE BLANKIN, affectionately known as "Donnie", 73, of 208 Sunset Drive
Blacksburg went home to be with his late wife of 49 years, Darlene Blankin, on
Thursday, July 29, 2021 at White Oak Manor in Spartanburg, SC.
Born
in Gaffney, he was the son of the late Inez Allen Blankin and James Patrick
Blankin. After graduating Blacksburg High School, he attended Limestone College
before being drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. While on tour in
Vietnam, he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Donnie
graduated from the Ft Sill Officer Candidate School (OCS) in the Field Artillery
Branch.
Upon returning from Vietnam, he joined the
S.C.
National Guard, where he served until 1982, when he retired as Captain. While in
service, he had the honor of serving as guard for the funeral of the late Bobby
Kennedy.
He
was retired from The Timken Co., serving as Supervisor of many different
departments. He was a member of Nazareth Baptist Church, an avid hunter,
fisherman, and firearm enthusiast. He was inducted into the Cherokee County Hall
of Bravery in 1988.
Surviving
Mr. Blankin are two daughters; Casey Israel (Kenny) of Blacksburg and Courtney
Blankin (Jason Sharpe) of Gaffney; a sister, Beverly Allison (Dickie) of
Gaffney; a brother and sister-in-law, Fred Parker (Vickie) of Inman, Steve
Parker of Spartanburg; three grandchildren, Scoot Maynor (Katie) of Boiling
Springs, Elizabeth and Kaitlin Parks of Blacksburg; two great grandchildren,
Aubrie Maynor and Natalie Parks; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In
addition to his parents, Mr. Blankin was preceded in death by his wife, and a
niece, Inge Parker.
The
family will receive friends on Sunday, August 1st, 2021, from 6:00pm - 7:30pm at
Gordon Mortuary. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 2nd, 2021,
at 11:00am in the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Jeff Connell
officiating.
In
lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cherokee County Veteran Organization,
PO Box 1522, Gaffney, SC 29342, In Memory of 2nd Lt. Donald Blankin.
The family will be at the home of Casey Blankin-Israel, 112 Sunset Dr, Blacksburg, SC 29702.