William “Bill” Felton Blankenship
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Funeral services for William “Bill” Felton Blankenship, age 77, a Hugo resident, formerly of Atoka, were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Miller and Miller Funeral Home, in Hugo, with Brother Mike Bryant officiating.
Interment was in Mt. Olive Cemetery, at Stringtown.
Services were under the direction of Miller and Miller Funeral Home, in Hugo.
Blankenship passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in Tulsa.
He was born on August 13, 1943, to Calvin and Geneva (Weldon) Blankenship, at Atoka.
Blankenship was a leader from an early age, as an outstanding athlete, he captained the Atoka Wampus Cats football team under his beloved coach, mentor and friend, Superintendent, Mr. Bill Pingleton. After graduation from Atoka High School, Class of 1962, he continued his football career while attending Eastern Oklahoma State College, in Wilburton. He later went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, in Durant.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and honorably served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. Blankenship received a Bronze Star, Silver Star and two Purple Hearts, along with the Soldiers Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). He was honorably discharged on September 12, 1973, with the rank of Captain.
He married Audie “Sue” Cloud on March 18, 1982, in McAlester.
Blankenship found his place and treasured friendships during his twenty-five years of service with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He was a founding member of the Choctaw Nation Honor Guard. During his tenure with the Choctaw Nation, he served as the Director of the Finishing Plant, Director of Environmental Land and Title, as well as the Director of Transportation, benefiting many, aggravating some and “FINALLY” retiring in January of 2021.
Survivors include his wife, Audie “Sue” Blankenship; son, Gary Don Blankenship and wife, Cathy, of Edmond; daughter, Tonya Kay Blankenship of Atoka; stepdaughter, Angie Crider of Whitefield; sister, Mary Blankenship of Albuquerque, New Mexico; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and two great -great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Calvin and Geneva (Weldon) Blankenship; brothers, Archie Blankenship and Carl Blankenship; sister, Sue Davis and step-daughter, Renea Tipsword.
Visitation was held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, March 29, 2021, for the family to receive friends, at Miller and Miller Funeral Home, in Hugo.
Blankenship was loved, respected and will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by his family and many valued friends.
