The family of Larry Blankenship has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Larry was Born December 7, 1923 – went to his maker on November 24, 2019. He was 95 years old.
Larry was a WWII 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 3 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 Workman’s 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.
Larry passed away of natural causes on Sunday, November 24, 2019 surrounded by loving family and many friends. He was 2 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 5 great-great grandchildren.
A service will be held at 10:30 am on Sunday, December 1st at Santee Christian Church, 8410 Fanita Dr., Santee, CA. 92071. Greenwood mortuary has asked the US Navy to be there for military honors. Larry was a friend of some PGR members and a member of the Santee Christian Church. Therefore we expect around 150 people. The church will be very full. I will explain where we will stand at our mission briefing. The church is planning a pot luck, your welcome to stay for food after the ceremony.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church service to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Sunday 1 Dec., 20190930 - Stage in the parking lot of Santee Christian Church 8410 Fanita Dr. Santee, Ca. 92071
https://goo.gl/maps/ieNETcKfJHuWtmfZ60950 - Mission Briefing
1000 - Flag Line for guests
1030 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C: Ken BrassellSoCal PGR Ride Captain
kenbrassell@gmail.com
619-3349447
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
