Marvin L. Blankenship

Marvin L. Blankenship, Jr., age 79, of Camden, OH passed away Thursday, May 29, 2013 at Woodland Country Manor, Somerville, OH. He was born November, 10, 1933 in Middletown, OH to the late Marvin L., Sr. and Hazel June (Genmaka) Blankenship. In his earlier years, Marvin enjoyed racing as a driver at Eldora Speedway and riding as a volunteer with the State Highway Patrol. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #218, Middletown and was past president of the Preble County Chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council. He retired from A.K. Steel of Middletown in 1986; he attended the First Brethren Church in Gratis, OH; and enjoyed camping, horseback riding, NASCAR and spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his second wife Linda; sisters Phyllis Burk, Esther Parker and Estel Collins; and brothers Leslie and Delmar Blankenship. He is survived by his wife Judy L. Blankenship; sons Mitchell (Anita) Blankenship and Marvin (Eileen) Blankenship III; stepson Richard Charles Benge; stepdaughter Michelle (Andrew) Hess; sister Virginia Ross; and numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great grandchildren and step great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at the First Brethren Church, corner of state routes 122 and 725, Gratis, OH with Rev. Robert Shannon officiating. Girton Schmidt & Boucher Gard Funeral Home, Eaton, OH is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be sent to a charity of donor’s choice or the First Brethren Church Renovation Fund. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gsbfuneralhome.com