Don Blankenship Obituary

Donnie Lee Blankenship was born September 10, 1938 in his grandmother"s house in Willow, Oklahoma, he died late Friday evening April 28, 2017 while visiting with family in Carrollton, Texas. He was the firstborn child of J.E. and Ruby Blankenship. He was an all-around athlete throughout his school years, but his favorite sport was baseball. He played Legion Ball and he played for Southwestern State.
Don obtained his bachelor"s degree and his Master"s in Education from Southwestern State University. From 1960 to 1970 he taught school, and from 1970 to 2000 he was superintendent of various schools in Texas and Oklahoma.
He also loved farming and would often be at school during the day and farm most of the night.
In 1960 he married Phyllis Garner. From that marriage they had three daughters, Tammy Jean, Shawn Donette, and Shalynna Faye.
In March of 1995, Don met Judy Litle. One day five years later, he turned to Judy and asked, "Miss Judy, when are we going to get married?" They wed June 30, 2000, and to that marriage came Blaine and Craig Litle.
Over the years the family grew. Shawn and Larry Mosley had two sons, Joshua and Toby Mosley. Tammy had Bailee Iris Jackson Blankenship. Craig and Laura Litle had Tanner, Sarah, and Caitlyn Litle.
Don answered to several names. His family and lifelong friends called him Donnie. His co-workers and newer friends called him Don. Tammy, Shawn, Larry, Shalynna, Blaine, Craig and Laura called him Dad. His favorite name from Josh and Toby was Grandpa. From Bailee it was Pawpaw, and from Tanner, Sarah, and Caitlyn it was Pop.
Don was a faithful member of the North MacArthur Church of Christ and enjoyed fellowship with the brethren.
Don leaves behind his loving wife Judy, daughters Tammy Blankenship, Shawn and husband Larry Mosley, and grandsons Josh and Toby and Shalynna Blankenship, step sons Blaine Litle, and Craig and wife Laura Litle, and grandchildren Tanner, Sarah, and Caitlyn. He also leaves his sister Jean Fair and brother Mikie Blankenship.
Don was always smiling, always willing to help anyone and everyone. He loved teasing and nobody escaped. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services for Donnie Blankenship will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2017, at the Willow Church of Christ with Brother Tim Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at the Willow Cemetery under the direction of Greer Funeral Home, of Mangum.
Memorials may be made to the Willow Cemetery
Online tributes may be made to the family at www.GreerFuneral.com