Lawrence Bethel Blankenship's Obituary
Lawrence B. BlankenshipDecember 7, 1923 – November 24, 2019LA MESA –Lawrence B. Blankenship, senior softball legend in the La Mesa area, passed away of natural causes on Sunday, November 24, 2019, surrounded by loving family and many friends. He was two weeks shy of his 96th birthday. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Bertha Blankenship, in 2006, and his son, Charles Miller in 2009. He is survived by four children, Robert Griffin (Alice) of Evanston, WY, Cathy Miller of Spring Valley, CA, Jim Miller (Susan) of Temecula, CA, Nancy Christie (Richard) of Weed, CA, and Sheryl Miller, wife of Charles; along with 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.Larry was a World War II veteran having joined the navy in 1941, and served 23 years in the hospital corps where he retired as a Chief Petty Officer. He served at several hospitals and on several ships around the world, including the USS Benevolence which sank in August 1950, and he spent over three hours in the water assisting in the rescue of other members of the crew. He has been awarded nine medals and had six engagements in Korea along with six good conduct awards.After retiring from the Navy, he joined the National Steel shipyards where he continued to use his knowledge and experience in the medical department and also worked as a Workmans Compensation Officer for the company.Following his retirement from National Steel, Larry started playing senior softball in 1991, Larry was a long time Director, Manager, player, mentor, confidant, and good friend to many in the La Mesa and Dana Senior Softball Leagues. His teams have won many league championships along with a gold medal in the Senior Olympics.Larry’s Tuesday morning Blankenship Team is the current defending League Champion of the “AAA” Division, and Larry’s teams overall, have won four League Championships and taken four other Runner-ups out of the last ten seasons. Larry could be seen out most mornings doing field maintenance and his duties with uniforms and equipment. Larry will be missed by everyone that knew him and especially those in the Senior Softball community.A service will be held at 10:30 am on Sunday, December 1st at Santee Christian Church, 8410 Fanita Dr., Santee, CA.In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the church.
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