Michael Landon "Joe" Blankenship, 60, of Oceana, passed away peacefully on Monday November 30, 2020 at Logan Regional Medical Center, Logan, WV. Michael was a 1979 graduate of Pineville High School and attended Oceana United Methodist Church. He was a kind and gentle man with a big heart and helping people all of his life. He loved children with all of his precious heart though never having children of his own. Michael was a man of many talents and knowledge. He loved to read, sketch, paint and cook. He had the ability to create beautiful furniture with discarded wood that he carefully chose. He loved being outside, gardening, fishing, hunting, detailing and working on classic cars. Michael touched many lives in his 60 years.

He was born on November 22, 1960 in Iaeger, WV to the late Homer Blankenship (1922-2003) and the late Orpha Alma "Penny" Lester-Bailey-Blankenship-Ball (1933-2013). In addition to his parents he is preceded in death his maternal grandparents, Dorsey E. Lester (1909-1991) and Mae Lockhart-Lester (1909-2002); and his paternal grandparents, Archibald "Perry" Blankenship Sr. (1878-1934) and Lottie B. Atwell-Blankenship-Payne (1895-1960).

Survivors include his brothers, William "Bill" Blankenship of Clanton, AL, John "J.R." Blankenship & wife Yuva Blankenship of Hiawassee, GA, David Blankenship & wife Becky Blankenship of Oceana, and Terreal Blankenship & wife Debbie Blankenship of Beckley, WV; sisters, Crystal Blankenship-Bishop & husband Freddy Bishop of Glen Fork, and Rene Blankenship-Rocchi of Oceana; and a host of other loving family and friends.

At Michael's request he will be cremated and his ashes will be distributed at some of his favorite places where he spent the best of times with family and friends. However, due to the continued risk of the COVID virus there will be a closed service for the immediate family with his pastor and friend Ron Acord officiating. A memorial service will be held at a late date for friends and family whenever the risk of COVID exposure is lessened.