Steve R. Blankenship
Steve R. Blankenship, age 60, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at his home, surrounded by his family.
Steve Raymond was born on August 18, 1957 in Rolla, MO to the late William “Bill” Blankenship and Patsy (Record) Blankenship. He attended Holy Martyrs Catholic Grade School and Sullivan High School, Class of 1975. He became a journeyman carpenter through the Union Carpenter’s Apprentice program and was employed for 41 years in the construction industry. He was employed by McBride and Sons and later with his son, Ryan, and CCS (Cheltenham Construction). Steve was united in marriage to Pauline Harmon on July 3, 1982 and together, they blended their families into one. Steve came into the marriage with two children (Jason and Ryan) and Pauline came into the marriage with one child (Suzie) and together, they had their fourth child, Scott.
Steve was described as the Ultimate Coach; coaching his own children and many Strain Japan and Spring Bluff teams. He also refereed for youth and adult basketball. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and family trips abroad with Pauline. But most important to him was his family. He adored his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. Steve was a diehard Cardinals Fan and attended spring training when possible. He loved taking the grandkids to Cardinal games and events and loved to harass his favorite Cubby Fan, Tricia. Steve was a member of Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Sullivan and Knights of Columbus.
Steve is survived by his wife, Pauline (Harmon) Blankenship of Sullivan; three sons, Jason Blankenship (Autumn Helm) of Leasburg, MO, Ryan Blankenship and wife Stacy of Sullivan, MO and Scott Blankenship and wife Courtney of St. Charles, MO; one daughter, Suzie Sandford and partner Tricia of Sullivan, MO; his mother, Pat Sloan-Blankenship and husband Bill of Swiss, MO; ten grandchildren, Sierra, Madison, Alyvia, Lane, Ava, Andrew, A.J., Dalton, Brett and Aubrey; one great-grandson, Adam; four brothers, Kevin Blankenship and wife Sue of Geneo, IL, David Blankenship and wife Shelby of Sullivan, Dean Blankenship and wife Carol of Sullivan and Paul Blankenship and wife Mandy of Sullivan; two sisters, Kathy Janish and husband John of Sullivan and Diane Moss and husband Bill of Sullivan; brother-in-law, Paul Harmon and wife Patti of Sullivan; sisters-in-law, Shiela Brown of Cuba, Faye Garrett of Cape Girardeau and Deb Anderson and husband Greg of Quincy, MO; nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Blankenship; his mother-in-law and father-in-law.
Funeral Mass was celebrated 10 a.m., Monday, August 6, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sullivan, with Father Paul Telken as the officiant. Burial followed in Holy Martyrs Cemetery in Japan, MO.
Visitation was held from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Memorials to CJD (Creutzfeldt Jacob) Foundation or Dr. Gregory Day CJD Research @ Wash U are appreciated.
Friends may send online condolences to the Blankenship family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan and Bourbon, MO.