Obituary – David Blankenship

Part of this obituary was taken from Hager and Cundiff Funeral Home

David Warren Blankenship, 84, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, November 8, 2020.  He was born on September 17, 1936, in San Bernardino, CA to the late James Edward and Frances Olive Blankenship, the third of their five children.  He graduated from Los Angeles Pacific College in 1959 and went on to serve in the US Army as a Chaplain’s Assistant from 1960-1962 in Korea, where he particularly enjoyed his volunteer work in an orphanage outside of Seoul.

David married his “long-distance” sweetheart, Cathryn Rose Burge, on June 29, 1963 (They wrote to each other for over three years, 1959-1962, before finally meeting in person and ultimately becoming engaged). He pastored Free Methodist Churches in Hanford, CA (1964-1971), San Francisco, CA (1971-1973), and Stockton, CA (1973-1977), where his skills and experience as a carpenter and in construction led to that final appointment during which he both pastored the flock. Along with another church member, David general-contracted the construction of both a new church building and a parsonage.

Following his pastoral service, David and Cathi moved to McPherson, KS, where he served for ten years at Central College (now Central Christian College of Kansas) as a member of the maintenance department.  Likewise, Cathi was a dedicated volunteer at Central, serving in many different capacities. She also volunteered at McPherson Free Methodist Church and in the community. Their three children all are alumni of Central. Wesley (CC ’85) lives in Wilmore, KY now.  Bryan (CC ’87) serves as the CFO at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY, and will join the CCCK Foundation Board in January.  Joy (CC ’93), their daughter, is in the Tech Department at Tabor College in Hillsboro, KS.  All three children grew up in McPherson.

Dr. David Ferrell, who had the privilege of teaching David’s children at CCCK had this to say about him,

As a young faculty member, I worked during the summers at CCCK to supplement our income. I worked under David Blankenship as we fixed things, cleaned the campus, [and many other odd jobs].  I remember David as an extremely hard worker, not taking breaks and staying on task at all times. He exemplifies the idea of ‘giving your employer a fair days task for a fair day’s pay’ –  even if that fair day’s pay was maybe less than fair.

David was last employed at National Cooperative Refinery Association (now CHS) from 1987-2000, before retiring early after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Upon his retirement, he and Cathi traveled and worked with McPherson Craftsmen for Christ from 2000-2005, building and renovating churches, campgrounds, and schools (including Oakdale Christian Academy near Jackson, KY).  Finally, in late 2008, the couple moved to Wilmore, KY.

In addition to his beloved Cathi, David leaves wonderful memories with his two sons, Wesley N. Blankenship and Bryan P. Blankenship (Carol), and one daughter, Christina Joy Mark (Shailesh); four grandchildren, Caleb Blankenship (Chloie), Sarah Garrett (Ethan), Anna Blankenship, and Vineet Mark; three great-grandchildren, Judah, Tavish, and Lyella Blankenship; and brothers James, Arthur, and Clyde Blankenship.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister Arlene.

The Blankenship family honored David with a Celebration of Life on Thursday, November 12, at the Wilmore Free Methodist Church, followed by a Graveside Service with military honors at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Caleb Blankenship, Ethan Garrett, Vineet Mark, Johnson Cannon, Wyndham Cannon, and Jerry Coleman. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of David may be made to the Wilmore Free Methodist Church designated for Missions.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a four-year collegiate institution that strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person through four core characteristics: heart, soul, mind, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about Central, go to centralchristian.edu/about. Visit the Foundation of Central Christian College to see what projects and events are coming up.