Jackie Ervin Blakenship

It is with a mixture of sorrow and reflection that we announce the passing of our beloved Jackie Blankenship, on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025.

Jackie Blankenship, like all of us, was a complex man. A man of contrasts—one who faced his own deep struggles. A skilled contractor, he could be rough and still caring. A man that did truly love his family. A man that loved hunting. He was the joking funny uncle of the family, not above the off-color joke. Against those very human struggles and nuances, Jackie is a tremendous example of God’s love. In his later years, God definitively brought him to a saving redemption and faith. Despite the pain of his past, Jackie’s later days were marked by a sincere desire for reconciliation and spiritual renewal still marked by his characteristic humor. Often joking that communion would be better “if it was hot dogs and beer.” Sadly, the illness that eventually took him away also stole away from us who he was. A very sad thing for a world that needs a little more of his humor and laughter on those dark days we all experience. We are truly grateful to a God whose Gospel reached a lost but loved man. His story is one of hope for all of us. That “We love because God first loved us” (1John 4:19). We can be assured and comforted in the knowledge that Jackie now rests in the presence of his Savior, and that nothing “will be able to separate us (or Jackie) from the love of God in Christ Jesus Our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

We will forever remember Thanksgivings, Christmases, birthdays, and other events at the comfortable home of Jackie and his always loving and faithful wife Kathy “Sugar Momma” Blankenship. His intelligent, accomplished, and funny children Alan and Anissa. All three of whom survive him in their grief along with numerous other family members. We also want to remember his equally funny and strong son Mike, a San Antonio police officer, who precedes him in death. As well as his parents Willie “Bill” Ervin Blankenship and Mary “Sugar” Emma Blankenship (neigh Belvin). Additionally, Jackie’s paternal grandparents Dean Price Blankenship Sr. and Nellie Elva Blankenship (neigh Crosley). And his maternal grandparents Benjamin “Doc” Franklin Belvin and Mary Emily Belvin (neigh Mills). Jackie will forever be missed on this side of our lives.