Neil Blankenship Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Neil Blankenship, age 69, of Marion, IL, passed away at 2:54 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, in Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, IL. He was born on June 5, 1952, in Carbondale, IL, the son of Dolly Mae (Palmer) Blankenship and Earl Blankenship, Jr. Neil attended school in Marion, and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1969. He continued his education at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL. He was united in marriage to Suzanne Lea McConnell and this union was blessed with 5 children; Eric, Nicholas, Joshua, Natalie and Alexis. His working career began when he was young, working with the family business, E. Blankenship, Inc. and continued working there when it was sold to Fisher Auto Parts. Later he began working for Auto Tire & Parts of Cape Girardeau, MO, and was currently employed at the time of his death. He was of the Baptist faith. He supported his community by volunteering to coach and umpire youth baseball and also coached youth basketball for many years. Continuing his support for the community, he also had served on the Marion Park Board for several years and the Marion Youth Baseball Association where he served as President. Throughout his younger years he enjoyed swimming and was an excellent Collegiate level diver. He was a Black Belt in karate, enjoyed running, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. He also found pleasure in cooking. One thing he loved to do for some of the automotive finishing businesses in the area was cooking for customer appreciation days. Another thing he loved doing with his children when they were young was building rockets and launching them. He was very close to his family and always enjoyed the many times shared together. He was always interested in knowing about all their many activities going on in their lives, especially his grandchildren. The many memories created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by four children, Eric David Blankenship and wife, Alison of Bourbonnais, IL, Joshua Alexander Blankenship and wife, Jennifer of Lincoln, CA, Natalie Nicole Andersen and husband, Kelly of St. Petersburg, FL and Alexis Danielle Watkins and husband, Brian of Goreville, IL; seven grandchildren, Alexander and Avery Blankenship of Lincoln, CA, Audrey and David Blankenship of Bourbonnais, IL, Robert Neil Andersen of St. Petersburg, FL and Khloe and Kaden Watkins of Goreville, IL; mother, Dolly Mae Blankenship of Marion, IL; sister, Mona B. Carter and husband, Bruce of Marion, IL; niece, Keri Burklow and husband, Jason of Crab Orchard, IL; nephew, Damon Carter and wife, Angie of Marion, IL; great niece, Jalynn Burklow of Crab Orchard, IL, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father; son, Nicholas and brother, Earl Blankenship, III. Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL. The visitation was from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022, at the funeral home. Following the time of visitation, the funeral service was at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Kevin McNeely presiding. Special recorded vocal musical selections presented during the service were “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf, “Dream On” by Aerosmith and “Scars in Heaven” by Casting Crowns. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL. Pallbearers were Eric Blankenship, Brian Watkins, David Zeigler, Joshua Blankenship, Kelly Andersen and Jim Jenkins. Following the committal service the family gathered at Bennie’s Italian Restaurant of Marion, for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. The family requested for those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to; “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.” For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Neil Blankenship

June 5, 1952 - May 31, 2022