Ronald was a graduate of Indiana University and Purdue University. He retired from UT College of Medicine, having worked at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. He was involved in medicine at the local, state, national and world levels. He served his country faithfully in the USAFR for twenty three years and retired as a Colonel.
He was an avid fisherman, loving husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lavina Blankenbaker and his brother, Laverne Blankenbaker.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Blankenbaker, of Ooltewah, TN, sons, Ronald Blankenbaker, Jr. (Whitney), of Chattanooga, TN, Eric Blankenbaker (Shannon), of Wildwood, GA, seven grandchildren, sisters, Norma Bricker (Dale), of AR, Betty Ostrom, of Noblesville, IN, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Chaplain David Reynolds officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com
Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
