Darrel Wayne Blankinship

Darrel Wayne Blankinship, age 71 of Everett, Washington passed away on November 25, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Wayne was born in Burbank, California to Virginia and James Blankinship on December 24, 1947. Wayne attended and graduated from King’s Garden High School in 1965. In 1968 Wayne was drafted into the Army and served courageously in the Vietnam War in the 1st Calvary Division (Air Mobile). He achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5), was honored for incredible acts of heroism and was awarded the Air Medal, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal among others. Wayne was honorably discharged after 6 years of service.

In 1969 Wayne met Judy the day the first American set foot on the moon, later to marry her in 1971 and raise three kids together, Matthew, Heather, and Rebecca.

Wayne started his career in sales and advertising, first managing a radio station and then moving on to pursue his own cutting edge business endeavors including, one of the first t-shirt printing companies, and the first business to turn waiting on-hold to a profit center with customized messaging. In his later years, he switched to working in engineering and becoming a licensed contractor for home remodeling. He dreamed of flipping houses in his retirement years and also of having a piece of property with a cabin by a river.

Wayne’s passions in life included helping others, hosting family gatherings, fishing, watching football, attending church, reading his Bible, volunteering for Salmon for Soldiers, and woodworking. He loved being a grandfather, father, and uncle.

Wayne was preceded in death by his mother Virginia, father James, and brother Paul. He is survived by his sister, Grace, and sister, Lola and his son, Matthew, daughter, Heather, son-in-law Fantin, daughter Rebecca, and granddaughter Nunu.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at Purdy and Walters at Floral Hills, 409 Filbert Rd. in Lynnwood WA 98036 on December 13, 2019 at 1:00 pm. Please visit www.floralhillslynnwood.com to leave your condolences on Wayne’s online guestbook. Memorial donations may be made at https://bit.ly/2OVnBTk.