Obituary: Bruce C. Blankenship
After a brief illness, Bruce Craig Blankenship, 78, longtime resident of Oxford, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Otterbein Senior Life on June 25, 2024. He was born on November 2,1945 in Tampa, Florida to Reginald R. Blankenship and Dorothy Johnston Blankenship. He graduated from Talawanda High School in 1963, and from Miami University in 1967 with a B.S. in Applied Science. Bruce worked as a programmer/analyst for Chrysler Airtemp in Dayton, Ohio before joining the United States Navy. He proudly served active duty from 1970 to 1974 and was then in the reserves until 1976, where he served as a computer programmer, skillfully navigating the complexities of military technology. During this time he was stationed at NSD Guam and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Bruce then returned to Oxford where he attended graduate school at Miami University from 1974 to 1975 and worked for B&B Plumbing from 1976 to 1981.
Bruce was passionate about traveling. Whether it was a western train trip, a cruise, trips to Florida and Branson, or trips to Michigan mushroom hunting, he always made new friends. He enjoyed finding treasures at yard sales and flea markets. These pursuits brought him immense joy and adventure. Bruce was extremely knowledgeable in numerous things and many people in Oxford and surrounding areas called on him to complete repairs or installations when needed. These skills and unique hobbies left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Bruce is survived by special friends, Clyde (Patty) Sparks of Oxford, OH and Diane (Ronnie) Brown of Honor, MI, along with many others who will miss his caring spirit and kind heart.
His legacy of generosity and service will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. Bruce's life was one of purpose and passion, and his memory will forever be cherished.
A special thank you goes out to the nurses and staff at Otterbein for the excellent care and kindness given Bruce.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 1st from 10:00 AM until time of the Funeral service at 11:00 AM at Paul R. Young Funeral Home in Oxford, Ohio. Interment to follow at Oxford Cemetery. Pastor Rodney White officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bruce's memory can be made to https://otterbein.org/donate/ Otterbein Senior Life 585 North State Route 741, Lebanon, OH 45036 or to the City of Oxford Fire Department, 217 South Elm Street, Oxford OH 45056.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bruce C. Blankenship, please visit our floral store.
This obituary originally appeared on the website of Paul R. Young Funeral Home. To publish an obituary in the Oxford Free Press, please email obits@oxfreepress.com. For more information on obituaries, please visit our obituary page.
