Terry Don Blankenship

Terry Don Blankenship, 71, affectionately known as “TD” or “Do-Da” passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at his home in Wickliffe, KY after a long battle with ALS. He was surrounded by his loving family and close friends, who sang him into the arms of Jesus.

Terry Don was born February 11, 1950, to Wilbur and Buvetta Blankenship. He attended Ballard Memorial High School, graduating in 1968. After graduation, Terry Don joined the U.S. Navy and served 2 years, with his commission aboard the USS William V. Pratt. Terry Don married Diana Levill May 13, 1972. The pair would drive each other crazy for the next 49 years. To add to the already lively household, they were blessed with three obnoxious children, who survive them. Each and every one claim to be his favorite child.

After returning home from the Navy, TD went to work for the Iron Workers Local 782, where he worked until his retirement in December 2011. He made sure to retire as early as possible, so he had plenty of time to burn the woods at their farm and destroy his son Eric’s turkey hunting dreams. He was a lifetime member of the Local and served as recording secretary. He was also a member of Barlow First Baptist Church. Terry worked hard - but played harder. He was the life of the party and loved being the center of attention. (As a matter of fact, he’s probably looking down from heaven grinning right now.) The jokester had a reputation for hiding his Hostess dessert cakes so he could enjoy them all himself, much to his children’s disappointment. He also loved bird watching and cheating at pinochle.

TD will be remembered for his signature cheesy grin and mischievousness – a trait he happily passed on to his grandson, Asher.

Terry Don’s legacy will live on through his loving wife, Diana Blankenship, son Eric (Jordan) Blankenship, daughters, Amber (Chad) Hayes and Lacey (William) Scott; sister Betty Elrod; cousin, Gary (Jennifer) Gay; grandchildren, Caitlynn, Hannah, Talan, Braxton, Asher, Lanie, Weston, and Luke, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Shirley Howell, and granddaughters Ava Claire Hayes and Tatum Hallie Scott.

The family would like to thank Terry’s harem of caregivers, Ali “Addy,” Marcy “Margie,” Reba “Crazy,” and Farrah “Fay-rah” for their years of putting up with all his demands, inappropriate jokes, and shenanigans. But most of all, for the love they showed him throughout his battle with ALS and until the end of his journey.

Terry’s homegoing party will start Friday, October 22, 2021 at Morrow Funeral Chapel. Visitation begins at 4 p.m.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Morrow Funeral Chapel with a celebration of life to follow at The Farm in LaCenter.

Everyone who knew and loved Terry Don is welcome to join the party. If you’d like to visit Terry Don at his final resting place, feel free to reach out to his children to see whose mantle he is resting on at the appointed time. Once his pond with a bridge leading to an island is built, you will find him sitting on his concrete pedestal for all to visit. Please bring bird seed.