William R. Blankenbaker

William Russell Blankenbaker passed away peacefully on March 28, 2014. Born March 2, 1919 in Culpeper, VA, he was the son of the late Owen Pierce Blankenbaker and Edith Forbes Blankenbaker. With the exception of serving in the United States Marine Corp, Bill lived his whole life in Culpeper, farming with his dad and later retiring after a long career with the Culpeper Post Office. Well known for his fruit cakes, he loved to cook, loved his flowers and plants and most of all loved his family. He was married to Dorothy P. Blankenbaker who passed March 22, 2012.

He is survived by a son, William R. (Rusty) Blankenbaker, Jr., a daughter, Kimberly B. Graham and two grandsons, Robert (Trey) Graham, III and Jonathan P. Graham, of whom he was most proud. Other survivors include a nephew, Woodrow (Woody) White of Harrisonburg, VA and three nieces, Cathy Oxley, Missy Kilday and Penny Smith of Texas.

The family would especially like to thank Mary Rohrer, Kelly, Rachel, Sue and Sylvia of Mary’s Place for providing exceptional Christian care, respect and love to him the last couple months of his life. It was a joy being part of their family.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Culpeper United Methodist Church with Pastor Randy Orndorff conducting the service. Interment will be in the Culpeper National Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial contributions can be made to Culpeper United Methodist Church Music Department, 1233 Oaklawn Drive, Culpeper, VA 22701 or to the Hospice of the Rapidan, P.O. 1715, Culpeper, VA 22701.

Condolences may be given at clore-english.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Clore-English Funeral Home, 11190 James Monroe Highway, Culpeper, VA 22701.