William E. Blankenship, Sr.

Marion- William Eugene Blankenship, Sr., age 81, of Marion, passed away at 9:08pm on Thursday, April 17, 2014 peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Bill, as he was known to his many friends and family, was born February 20, 1933 in Marion, the son of Earl and Helen (McKinney) Blankenship. He married Sandra (Burger) Blankenship in Corinth, Mississippi on November 18, 1955. They had three children, William Blankenship, Jr., Lisa Blankenship Conley, and Pamela Blankenship Hunter. Bill graduated from MarionHigh School in 1953. While still a teenager, he began his career in the family business, E. Blankenship & Co, Inc. He worked in many of the stores and also sold DuPont Auto Paint to body shops throughout Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky until he retired in 1999.  Bill was passionate about scuba diving and owned and operated Down Under Dive Shop in Marion. As an avid scuba diver, a pioneer in the sport- he helped implement the formation of search and recovery teams through the Civil Defense and taught many of the local fire departments to dive so they could participate in these efforts. He spent many hours at Mermet Springs near Vienna and helped many people in Southern Illinois learn to love the sport he so treasured. Bill was a founding member and instructor trainer for PDIC (Professional Diving Instructors Corporation), International. He relished sharing a meal and companionship with his brothers and friends at Marion Senior Citizens, as he so fondly called it “the Seniors”. Bill lived life to the fullest and always wore a smile. He enjoyed ocean travel and a fine cigar. He loved his family and was so proud of his children and grandchildren.  Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra Burger Blankenship of Marion; a brother Charles Blankenship and wife Roberta; three children and their spouses Bill Blankenship, Jr. and wife Debbie; Lisa Blankenship Conley and husband Karl all of Marion; and Pamm Blankenship Hunter and husband Larry of Carterville; and they helped raise one grandson Brett Blankenship and wife Jill of Dallas, TX; 6 grandchildren- Brett and wife Jill of Dallas, TX; Jennifer Blankenship, Ryan and Joe Conley, and Kefren and Lucas Hunter, One great granddaughter is expected this fall.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Helen Blankenship along with his brothers Earl Blankenship, Jr. and Robert (Bob) Blankenship.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, April 21, 2014 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Father Richard Mohr officiating. Burial will follow at RoseHillCemetery in Marion. Visitation will be held from 11-1pm on Monday at the funeral home.  For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the MarionSeniorCitizensCenter, VNA TIP Hospice, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home; 800 N Market Street; Marion, IL62959.