Louis Blankenship

A celebration of the life of Louis Blankenship will be held at 11 AM Thursday, Jan. 27, at St. Michael and All Angels? Episcopal Church, 909 Reel Road, Longview. Interment will be at 10 AM in Rosewood Cemetery. Father Tom Murray will officiate. Mr. Blankenship was born in Ada, Oklahoma, on July 8. 1932, to Homer and Alma Lee Blankenship. ?Buddy? as he was affectionately known, grew up in the Judson area, graduated from Judson Grove High School, and attended Kilgore College. Mr. Blankenship served in the United States Air Force and worked for Texas Eastman for 39 ½ years, retiring in 1994. Mr. Blankenship was always helping family and others. He taught a children?s Sunday School class and later hosted a youth group for several years, baking one hundred cookies weekly for that group. One of the most fun adventures of his life was serving as the camp cook for church youth camp. During retirement, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels and participated in a mission trip to Mexico. He enjoyed catching crappie to cook for his family and friends. His retirement years were marked by his delight in cooking, fishing and camping. He loved the Lord with all his heart and demonstrated this love to his neighbors. His enthusiasm and zeal for life are sweet memories for all. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Sarah Blankenship, White Oak; son Roger Blankenship and his wife Karen of Shelton, Washington; daughter Denise McKinney and her husband Douglas of Overton; son Jay Shoesmith and his wife Sharla of Hallsville; son John Shoesmith of White Oak; and a sister. Susie Ferguson of West Mountain. Grandchildren are Kevin and Molly Blankenship, Shelton, Washington; Charles Louis McGee, Shreveport; Rachael Michele Owens, Kilgore; Anna Rachelle McKinney, Kilgore; Jacob, Cassie and Jeep Shoesmith, Hallsville. Great grandchildren are Britni and Jarette Owens, Kilgore. In addition, Mr. Blankenship leaves several special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Homer Blankenship, Jr. and Ronald Blankenship; and one sister, Peggy Jean Wedgeworth. Memorials for Mr. Blankenship may be made to the Highway 80 Rescue Mission, Longview. ?Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.? Matthew 22:37-39.

Louis Blankenship

July 8, 1932 - January 25, 2005