Donald (Don) E. Blankenship, 89, was born in Hendersonville, NC on February 19, 1929. He died peacefully at home on August 18, 2018.

Don married Betty J. Baynard on November 22, 1947 and had five beautiful children. He was a resident of Front Royal, VA since 1991. He retired from the U.S. Air force after 20 years of loyal service. He then retired from the FAA after 20 years as an air traffic controller, serving last at Dulles International Airport. He was proud to fulfill his goal of becoming a pilot and enjoyed flying his Cessna 182. He enjoyed watching westerns and was a collector of many fine things including owl sculptures. He enjoyed bluegrass music and was very proud to fly the USA flag every day on his front porch.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 71 years Betty J. Blankenship, his son Donald E. Blankenship, Jr., he was preceded in death by his sons Garrett Lee Blankenship (died in infancy) and Raymond V. Blankenship, also leaves behind his daughter Harriett L. Cartney (Michael D. Cartney, USAF Col.-RET), daughter Mary J. Lewellyn (Brada C Lewellyn), his granddaughter Trisha Turner-Hill (Brad C. Hill), his grandson Byron R. Turner, his grandson Michael A. Anderson, his granddaughter Lydia A. Blankenship, his granddaughter Donna Cardenas, his grandson Garrett L. Blankenship, and his grandson Nathan E. Lewellyn (Nanette Yessler-Lewellyn) and 9 great grandchildren. His siblings are Dorothy Gibbs, Martha McIntire (deceased), Henry Blankenship (deceased), Jack Blankenship (deceased), Elsie Barnes and Edward Blankenship and many extended family members whom he loved dearly. He was a man of honor. He made the world a better place and will be greatly missed.

Services to celebrate his life will be held at Maddox Funeral Home in Front Royal, VA on Friday August 24, 2018. Visitation for family at 12pm, Service at 1pm. Entombment will follow at Panorama Memorial Gardens in Strasburg, VA.