Harold Dale Blankenship, 61, passed into eternal life on January 7, 2025, from battling many chronic health issues.
He was a loving and devoted physician who cared deeply about his patients. He spent his life healing and caring for others. He was an avid golfer, biker and cigar afficianado. He cared deeply for animals and loved his “pups” with everything he had. He enjoyed spending time with his family, children and grandchildren. Harold loved to travel and go on diving trips or just enjoy a nice summer day by the pool.
Harold was born in Lebanon, Mo on August 16, 1963, to Harold Dale Blankenship and Ima Jean (Atchley). He was raised in a loving family along with his brothers Kenneth, Ronald, and Bruce.
After he graduated Lebanon High School in 1981 he attended Ozark Bible College and then went on to study at Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. Later on he decided to dedicate his life to palliative and hospice care and became a physician after attending OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He spent the majority of his career working at Freeman Health Systems as a Hospitalist and Internal Medicine Physician in Neosho. He was very passionate about helping patients and their families.
Though we mourn his early absence, we rejoice in knowing that Harold is now at peace. His life reminds us of the promise in 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Harold and Ima Jean Blankenship; his brother Kenneth Blankenship and nephew Mathew Blankenship, and fur babies Chloe and Maggie Mae. He is survived by his wife Krysti Blankenship, daughter Ashlee (Nevin) Yeager, and son Ethan (Madison) Rea. His siblings Ronald (Victoria) and Bruce (Flecia). His grandchildren Corbin, Miyah, Allyzah, Caynon, Ricky, Conlee, and Hayden, multiple nieces and nephews and his beloved dogs Annie and Lola.
A graveside service will be in Lebanon, Mo. on February 8 at 11 a.m. at Atchley Cemetery. If you need help finding the cemetery, we will have someone at Waffle House at 10:30 to show you the way.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to an animal shelter of your choice or for his headstone.
