Charles E. “Jug” Blankenship of Sullivan, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the age of 76 years.
Jug, as he was known by his family and friends, was born on August 5, 1939 in Japan, MO, to the late Alva and Elsie (Strothkamp) Blankenship. He had made his home Japan/Sullivan area his entire life and was employed for a time at the former Meramec Mining Company until its closing. Jug then went to work for the Shade Tree Company as a groundsman and worked there until retirement. Jug also owned and worked a farm in the Japan area for many years, raising cattle on a small scale. His pastime was spent largely by coon hunting and he also enjoyed NASCAR racing. However, his pride was his family and grandkids. On August 30, 1958, he was united in marriage to Shirley M. Bridgeman at Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church and to this union three children were born of which a son Brian, preceded him in death.
Jug is survived by his wife, Shirley of the family home; one son Charlie A. Blankenship of Sullivan; one daughter, Charlene Albright and husband Larry of Bourbon, MO; nine sisters, Lois Copeland of Gerald, MO, Shirley Burcham and husband Jerry of Sullivan, Carol Schlueter of Bourbon, Janet Terris of St. Charles, MO, Joan Strothcamp and husband Ronnie of Zalma, MO, Lana Gauer and husband Danny of Sullivan, Lorene Ransom and husband Mike of Cuba, MO, Linda Heuer and husband Marc also of Cuba, and Lisa Caltry and husband Tony of Japan, MO; four brothers, Edgar Blankenship and wife Goldeen of Bland, MO, Jack Blankenship and wife Betty, Richard Blankenship and wife Donna, Roger Blankenship and wife Rita all of Sullivan; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends.
Along with his son Brian and his parents, Jug was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Blankenship and an infant sister Mary Theresa Blankenship.
Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2016 from the Chapel of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Mr. James Eaton officiating. Interment followed in Holy Martyrs of Japan Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of service at the Eaton Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Holy Martyrs of Japan Cemetery Fund or New Testament Baptist Church.
Friends may sign the family’s online guestbook at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.