ADVANCE, Mo. -- John Blankenship, 80, of Advance died Friday, March 29, 2002, at his home, following an extended illness.

He was born May 4, 1921, at Braggadocio, Mo., son of James L. and Mary K. Phillips Blankenship. He and Edith Nash were married Jan. 7, 1950, in Advance.

Formerly of Zalma, Mo., Blankenship was a retired farmer. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Tim Blankenship of Zalma; two daughters, LaDonna Dalton of Whitewater, Mo.; Pat Baker of Advance; two brothers, Elmer Blankenship of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Jack Blankenship of Advance; a sister, Oda Waller of Piedmont, Mo.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call at Morgan Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Lee Roy Hefner officiating. Burial will be in Rock Point Cemetery.