Roll Call Tribute

David Leslie Blankenship
June 3, 1953 - June 5, 2022

David Leslie Blankenship, 69, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, June 5, 2022. He was born June 3, 1953, in Sweetwater, Texas, to Dorothy Faye Blankenship and Leslie V. Blankenship. He grew up in Sulphur, Louisiana, before moving with his family to Ingleside, Texas, where he graduated from Ingleside High School. Afterwards, he attended Texas A&M University for one year and then returned to Ingleside to marry his high school sweetheart, Ann Turnipseede. David attended and graduated from the Corpus Christi Police Academy. He served as a police officer for two years in Corpus Christi and then moved to Kerrville, Texas, where he served five more years. After moving back to Corpus Christi, David worked for Valero Refinery for 31 years before retiring.

David was known as a truly faithful and dedicated man of God – a gentle spirit with a lion’s heart. He was ordained as a deacon early in life and served faithfully for 42 years. David was also involved in many Christian ministries, including ministering to young men and women. In both word and deed David shared the joy of Christ Jesus and the love He has for us all.

David loved his family deeply and completely. He was particularly proud of his two sons, Mark and Jeff, and was active in their extra-curricular activities. David spent many hours proudly watching Mark march in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band in College Station, and Jeff play football from youth league to Calallen High School. David had seven grandchildren – Chris, Devon, Alicia, Steven, Riggs, Ryder, and Waylon – that brought him great joy and happiness. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, reading to them, swinging, swimming, playing sports, water and snow skiing, and teaching them the love of Christ.

David was a man of honor and integrity and his life proved it. His ready smile made everyone feel welcomed. He gave selflessly to all those he met, from tipping generously to lending a helping hand wherever needed. David seemed to have time for everyone and could always be counted on to give sound biblical advice and counsel.

David is survived by his wife and best friend of 48 years, Ann Blankenship, son Mark (Heather) Blankenship of Corpus Christi, son Jeff Blankenship of Corpus Christi, seven grandchildren, one great-grandson, and three sisters (Vange, Vicki, and Elvalena). David is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Blankenship and Dorothy Bobbitt.

Visitation will be held at Sawyer George Funeral Home in Calallen, Texas, on Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate David’s life on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 1:00 P.M. at Sawyer George Funeral Home, with Bro. Ralph Green officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 P.M. at Palms Memorial Gardens in Portland. Honorary pallbearers are Ben Turnipseede, Chris Blankenship, Devon Blankenship, Mack Anderson, Mark Anderson, Matt Jordan, Jason Jordan, and Scott Hewitt.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.

For those who wish to do so, donations may be made in honor or memory of David Blankenship to Christ Central Baptist Church, P.O. Box 260538, Corpus Christi, Texas 78426.