Troy Jefferson Blankenship was born in Guymon, OK, on October 9, 1921, to the late Thomas Jefferson Blankenship who passed prior to Troy's birth, and Effie Elizabeth Snider Blankenship. He was raised in the Jenkins MO area.

Troy joined the Civilian Conservation Corps as a teenager where he traveled the west coast. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during WWII from 1942 to 1946 on an aircraft carrier, the USS Rudyard Bay and a battleship, the USS Idaho. He was honored to serve his country and enjoyed sharing his experiences with others. Troy married Viola Edna Miller Morris on October 9, 1948, in Canadian TX. They farmed and raised cattle for over 40 years near Sawyer. Troy retired from R & R Tank Company in Pratt where he worked as a welder for 30 years. He grated Barber and Pratt County roads as a second job for most of his working life. He was a member of the Sawyer United Methodist Church until moving to Caney in 1989 where he attended the First Southern Baptist Church. Troy was known for growing vegetables and giving them away to Caney residents. He lived at the Guest Home for five years where he planted a garden for two years enjoyed by staff and residents. Troy was loved by all.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Viola, who passed on February 5, 1994; a step-son, Robert G. Morris; three brothers, Stanley, Cleo and Sam; and one sister, Thelma Brigman. He is survived by four children: Betty Kay Artherton, Caney; William Stanley, St. Petersburg FL; Troy Dean and wife, Kim, Austin NV; and, Elizabeth Jean Blankenship and husband Rex Baltzley, Port Richey FL; and step-children James L. Morris and wife Mary, Wichita KS; Barbara A. Rowley, Mobile AL. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren including Jason Artherton, Caney, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.