Robert I. Blankenship, Jr.

Robert I. "Bob" Blankenship, Jr., 89, of Topeka, passed away January 24, 2012. Bob was born August 27, 1922, in Topeka, the son of Robert I. and Maude E. Kemble Blankenship. He grew up in the Oakland area and graduated from Topeka High in 1941. He enlisted in the U.S Navy in 1942 and served over three years.

While delivering the evening Topeka State Journal, he said he saw the "love of his life", LaVonne Canrobert. Two years later, on December 18, 1942, they married in a home ceremony when he came home on leave from the Navy by Rev. John W. Hart, pastor of Oakland Presbyterian Church. Bob worked at Santa Fe Shops as a machinist for 41 years, before retiring in 1982. He was also a 50 year member of Golden Rule Lodge #90 A.F. & A.M. and member of Oakland Presbyterian Church. Bob enjoyed gardening, Big Band music, and played violin in his younger years.

Survivors include his wife, LaVonne, of Brewster Place in Topeka; daughters, Tammy Blankenship, of Topeka, and Cherryl (Paul "Bud") Deghand, of Salina; son, Jerry Blankenship, of Topeka; brother, Victor Blankenship, of Redlands, California; step-sister, Barbara Lewis, of Topeka; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Following his request, private graveside services will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is handling arrangements.