Charles "Charlie" William Blankenship

Charles William "Charlie" Blankenship

WB5NXD – 73

Charles William “Charlie” Blankenship, 74, of Lake Charles died Saturday, May 15, 2021 in the comfort of his home.

Mr. Blankenship was born February 23, 1947 in Jamestown, OH and lived most of his life in Lake Charles.  He served in the United States Air Force.  He began his career, a contractor for his company, Blankenship Home Builders.  Following the fall of the housing market, he pursued studies and attained his Boat Captain’s License, retiring with thirty-five years of Maritime transportation.  Mr. Blankenship was an avid fisherman, enjoyed RV travel; Colorado being his favorite destination and was obsessive about his perfectly manicured lawn.  His passion was Amateur Radio.  As a licensed “HAM” radio operator, Mr. Blankenship founded The Southwest Louisiana Amateur Radio Repeater Club, served as past president, was a mentor to fellow enthusiast and was active in many aspects of his hobby.  He participated in weekly nets, handling traffic, public service events, field days and more throughout the years and now joins his fellow silent key members.  He started his day with a good cup of coffee and a radio show and ended it with his favorite cocktail and a radio show.  His soft spot was his love for dogs.  Mr. Blankenship will be remembered as a quiet man who enjoyed the company of those closest to him. 

He leaves to honor his memory, his wife, Judith Farrell Miguez Blankenship of Lake Charles; one daughter, Renee Blankenship Dowden (Robert) of Sulphur; son, Lance Aguillard of Lake Charles; one grandson, Matthew Everage (Cassandra); two great-grandsons, Jonathan and Kieran Everage; sister, Marilyn Blankenship Woodcock of Lake Charles and half brothers and sisters, Sue Lanam of OH, Anita Kyler of OR, John Olsen of Boise, ID and Don Olsen of New Plymouth, ID.  He also leaves his chosen extended family, stepdaughter, Jessica Miguez Bonilla; two step-grandchildren, Erick Folger and Abigail Bonilla and step-great granddaughter, Clementine Bonvillian Bonilla.

He was preceded in death by wife, Jonelle Blankenship; dear friend and companion of twelve years, Barbara Schexnider; mother, Viola Hoyt Olsen; grandfather, Paul William Blankenship; grandmother, Hariette Evaline Booco Blankenship; father, Edwin Blankenship; stepmother, Florence Collins Blankenship and brother, Larry Gene Blankenship.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 22, 2021 at University Baptist Church.  Reverend Mel York will officiate.  Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens.  Visitation Saturday will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service in the church.  A rosary will be recited at 12:00 PM.