William “Bill” Felton Blankenship

Funeral services for William “Bill” Felton Blankenship, of Hugo, Okla., were held at 10 a.m. March 30, 2021 at Miller & Miller Funeral Home Chapel. William passed away March 24, 2021, at the age of 77.

William “Bill” Felton Blankenship was born on Aug. 13, 1943 in Atoka, Okla., to Calvin and Geneva (Weldon) Blankenship. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Archie Blankenship and Carl Blankenship; sister, Sue Davis and step-daughter, Renea Tipsword.

Bill was a leader from an early age. As an outstanding athlete, he captained the Atoka Wampus Cats football team under his beloved coach, mentor and friend, Superintendent Mr. Bill Pingleton. After graduation from Atoka High School, Class of 1962, he continued his football career while attending Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. Bill later went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Southeastern State University in Durant, Okla. He married Audie “Sue” Cloud on March 18, 1982 in McAlester, Okla.

Bill was a proud veteran of the United States Army and honorably served his Country during the Vietnam conflict. He received a Bronze Star, Silver Star and two Purple Hearts, along with the Soldiers Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). He was honorably discharged on Sept. 12, 1973 with the rank of Captain.

Bill found his place and treasured friendships during his 25 years of service with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He was a founding member of the Choctaw Nation Honor Guard. During his tenure with the Choctaw Nation he served as the Director of the Finishing Plant, Director of Environmental Land and Title as well as the Director of Transportation, benefiting many, aggravating some and “FINALLY” retiring in January of 2021.

Bill was loved, respected and will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by his family and many valued friends.

He is survived by his wife, Audie “Sue” Blankenship; sons: Gary Don Blankenship and wife, Cathy of Edmond, Okla., and Stephen Waltke and wife, Sacha of Texas; daughter, Tonya Kay Blankenship of Atoka and stepdaughter, Angie Crider of Whitefield, Okla.; sister, Mary Blankenship of Albuquerque, N.M.; six grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Interment followed the service at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Stringtown, Okla., with Bro. Mike Bryant officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.