DEXEL BLANKENSHIP, 85, of Lavalette, W.Va., passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his children and wife.  He was born March 10, 1939, in Lavalette, a son of the late Clyde and Marie Blankenship.  Also preceding him in death were his siblings Quilla Ratcliff, Anna Lou Maynard, Autho Blankenship and Adrian Blankenship; and one granddaughter, whom he raised, Kesha Blankenship.

Dexel was a member of the Carpenters Local 302 for 65 years.  He also subcontracted work for Marshall University and the Wayne County Board of Education.  Additionally, he developed and created the Lavalette Little League with life-time friends, the late Sonny Perdue, Fred Crockett, Howard Adkins and Ron Mullins.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 65 years, Wanda F. Blankenship; five children, Ed (Robin) Blankenship of Chesapeake, Oh., Randy Blankenship, Troy (Kim) Blankenship, Tina Blankenship and Joey Blankenship, all of Lavalette; eight grandchildren, Jamie Blankenship, Torrie Blankenship, J.D. Laney, Jr., Corey (Melanie) Blankenship, Natasha (Michael) Hanshaw, Brandi Blankenship, Brandon Blankenship, and Josie Blankenship; and 11 great grandchildren, Hayden, Elias, MacKynlie, Elijah, Isaiah, Peyton, Harper, Jack, Jude, Wyatt, and Clayton.

Also surviving is one brother, Clyde Densol "Denny" (Donna) Blankenship of Lavalette; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home with Pastor Johnny McSweeney officiating.  Burial will follow in the Maple Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at noon.