Larry Michael Blankenship, born on May 1, 1971, in Ada, Oklahoma, departed this life on January 1, 2024, at the age of 52 years and 7 months at his home in Elmore City. Larry's parents, Linda, and LaDon Blankenship, welcomed him into their family, where he was later joined by a brother, Lyndall Jason, in 1975. Larry was a lifelong member of Elmore City First Baptist Church.
Larry attended school in Elmore City for 12 years. His first friends were his cousins, and they shared countless adventures riding ATVs, watching Star Wars and Indiana Jones Movies, and donning crime-fighting alter egos as the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman. Larry was happiest participating in outdoor activities and hanging out with his friends and classmates, especially the girls. A graduate of the Elmore City Class of 1989, Larry continued his education at Spartan School of Aeronautics, East Central University, and the University of Oklahoma.
A gifted artist with the ability to draw, fix, or build anything, Larry's passions extended to fast cars, classy trucks, and booming stereos that made their presence known from a mile away, according to his mother. He loved the mountains, especially Red River, New Mexico, and enjoyed shared vacations with friends, cousins, and other family. Riding ATVs was his favorite pastime- the faster the better. As a kid, he even souped up the family's riding lawn mower just to keep things interesting.
In 1993, Larry married Katrina Campbell and together they welcomed two children, Cole and Lauren, who were the loves of his life. He took great pride in his role as their dad. For 17 years, he dedicated his professional life to Southwestern Bell, later becoming AT&T. Later in life, he worked for ACE Hardware and his abounding talents and sweet nature made him a natural in helping solve customers' construction problems. He was known to have a big heart and to be loved by everyone he encountered.
Larry Blankenship is survived by his beloved children Cole and Lauren Blankenship, his parents Linda Chappell, and LaDon Blankenship and stepmother Treba, brother Jason, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, stepbrothers Randy, Jeff, and Steven, and stepsisters Diane and Sandy. Also cherishing his memory are his nephew Davian, and nieces Zoe and Helena. Larry was preceded in death by his stepdad, Sonny Chappell, and his adored grandparents, Sonny and Lawana Hill, and Elisha and Marie Blankenship.
Larry will be remembered not only for his boundless talents and sense of humor but also for the enduring love he shared with his friends and family. He will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.