Kenneth Ray Blankenship, 78, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 9:32 am April 12, 2025 at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mount Vernon. He was born January 16, 1947 in Vandalia, Illinois to the late Jake Willis and Gladys (Holbrook) Gelsinger. Kenneth married Sherry (Manley) Blankenship on September 9, 1967.

In addition to his beloved wife of nearly fifty-eight years, Kenneth is survived by his daughters, Kendra Soule and husband, Duane of Mount Vernon and Kelly Rushing and husband, Coy of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Taylor Bruce and wife, Amber of Mount Vernon, Tyson Bruce of Mount Vernon, Katie Greenwood and husband, Kody of DuQuoin, Karli Soule of Mount Vernon, Brandon Accomando and wife, Kendra of Mount Vernon, Emma Accomando of Evansville, Indiana, Memphis Rushing of Nashville, Illinois, and Ireland Rushing of Marion; great-grandchildren, Justin, Talia, Ezra, Tatum, Kolt, Asher, and Jentri; sister, Brenda Meyer and husband, Rick of Vandalia; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his siblings, Delbert, Ronnie, and Billy Blankenship.

Kenneth was a member of Calvary Church. Alongside his wife, Sherry, he owned and operated Blankenship News Service for over twenty-five years. He loved to golf and has had seven hole-in-one’s. Kenneth also enjoyed bowling and had a very large baseball card collection. His catch phrase was “I wish i was as rich as I am good looking.” Kenneth was a generous person and never knew a stranger. Above all, he loved his family, especially his girls.

A Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 11:00 am at Calvary Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Pastor Frank Gilbert and Pastor Steve Edwards officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Kenneth’s honor to Calvary Church.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.