Funeral: 2 :00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022 in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel

Visitation: 1 :00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2022  and 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022 at Jones-Preston Funeral Home

Burial: Blankenship Family Cemetery , Thelma, Kentucky

O. Sam Blankenship, age 75, of Thelma, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at his home.

Sam was born April 5, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio, son of the late Rev. Oscar Blankenship and Bertha Estep Blankenship. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Von See and Gene Blankenship; and one sister, Linda Collins.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne Burke Blankenship of Thelma, Kentucky; three sons, Steve Blankenship and wife Shonnia of Thelma, Kentucky, Matt Blankenship and wife Katie of Louisa, Kentucky and Andy Blankenship and wife Missy of Thelma, Kentucky; one daughter, Lisa Blankenship of Thelma, Kentucky; one brother, Richard Blankenship of Thelma, Kentucky; two sisters, Jettie Sue Fairchild of Thelma, Kentucky and Carol Sue Guffey of North Carolina; nine grandchildren, Nichole, Katie, Steven, Dylan, A J, Amelia, Reagan, Wyatt and Brandon; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Joey.

W hat do you call a man who was born to a humble preacher and homemaker in Columbus, Ohio and then dedicated his entire life to watching over his parents, siblings, and extended family?.........You call that man a Family Man!

What do you call a man who rose from such humble beginnings only to leave home as a young man to defend his country in Vietnam, surviving the horrors and direct hits of battle?

You call that man a Courageous Marine!

What do you call a man who returned home from Vietnam with the souvenirs of war in and on his body, to complete college and work his way up from the bottom, to become President of a bank?............You call that man a Successful Business Man!

What do you call a man who spent the majority of his career developing and empowering veterans and other groups to help his community?........................

You call that man a Socially Responsible Citizen!

What do you call a man who gave birth to 4 beautiful and kind children who are all gifted with his character and who blessed him with multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved him and his wife Jeanne more than life itself?.........

We called him the names he cherished most, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Neighbor, Friend, and SAM!

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022 in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel with Harry Neal Frisby officiating.  Burial will follow at Blankenship Family Cemetery, Thelma, Kentucky. Friends may visit the Jones-Preston Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2022 and 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022.

Full military honors will be conducted by Auxier Chapter 18 DAV.

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both Honored and Privileged to be Entrusted with all funeral arrangements for Mr. O. Sam Blankenship.