Jay Blankenship Jr.

NEW MADRID -- James "Jay" Allen Blankenship Jr., 82, died Dec. 28, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Born June 7, 1926, in Kentucky, to the late Allen and Lura Walton Blankenship, he was a farmer for many years. After retiring, he served as presiding commissioner of New Madrid County for 12 years. He was the president of Drainage District No. 39, was instrumental in establishing the Kewanee/LaForge Water District, served several term son the Kewanee School Board and had the honor of being a 32nd degree Mason. He was a member of the Kewanee Methodist Church that his parents helped build in the 1930s and served in many positions throughout his life.

On Oct. 13, 1942, in Kentucky, he married Weba Ross, and she preceded him in death on June 11, 2007.

Three brothers, Jim Blankenship, Ed Blankenship and Bob Blankenship; two sisters, JoAnn Wilson and Mary Nelson; and one son-in-law, Lonnie Jones, also preceded him in death.

Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, J.R. and Judy Blankenship; one daughter, Lura Jones; one sister, Evelyn Pinnell; four grandchildren, Jay Blankenship, Tonja Feingold, Tim Hall and Judson Hall; 10 great-grandchildren; and a special nephew, Stan Thompson.

Jay was an avid hunter and loved fishing with his life partner, Weba. He also enjoyed teaching his children, grandchildren and countless others how to ski, fish and hunt.

Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Toni Dee officiating.

Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.

Pallbearers will be: Jay Blankenship, Tim Hall, Judson Hall, Danny Feingold, Dan Hall, James R. Taylor and Ray Fowler.

Paid obituary