MELVIN VETRIS BLANKENSHIP
December 21, 1927 - April 7, 2023

Melvin Vetris Blankenship passed away on April 7, 2023 in Plano, TX. He was a kind and thoughtful soul who will be missed and fondly remembered.

Melvin was born on December 21, 1927 to Charles Garnett and Lassie Jewell in Scottsville, KY, where he grew up with his six younger siblings. Melvin met Zonella Arnold in 1949, married in June of 1950, and they spent the next 72 years happily married.

Melvin lived a full life with multiple careers and hobbies. He spent three years in Italy while serving in the United States Army, worked at Ford Motor Company for 21 years, spent 20 years teaching shop class for Carrollton ISD, was a part-time postal carrier and spent 31 years at H&R Block. When he wasn’t working, Melvin and Zo traveled building churches with Volunteer Christian Builders. They also traveled extensively; it didn’t matter the destination as long as they were together. Melvin also enjoyed getting his hands dirty in his garden.

Melvin was preceded in death by Charles and Lassie Blankenship (parents), Dicky and Chuck Blankenship (sons), and his brother Jenner Blankenship by only three days. He is survived by Beva Ahlfinger (sister), Avis Bell (sister), Billy Blankenship (brother), Sandra Broady (sister) and Charles Blankenship (brother), his loving granddaughter, Leslie Norton, Olivia & Eva (great-grandaughters), his nephew and best friend, Brad Ahlfinger, many other nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends Sharla Rachel and Beverly McClester.