Gary G. Blankenship, 72, passed away at his Muncie home on February 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Muncie, Indiana, the son of Vonley Willard and Betty (Batt) Blankenship, on January 20, 1952.

Gary spent his youth in Muncie, and graduated from Muncie Southside High School in 1970.  While growing up, he met a very special young lady, Mary Fording, whom he later made his bride and they were married for forty-seven years.  Gary worked at Mid-City Plating for several years and then worked in the security department at Hoosier Park Casinos. 

Gary had a passion for traveling, he enjoyed Las Vegas, but was especially drawn to the beaches of Florida.  He was an avid collector, enjoying his collection of signs and bottles.  Gary was also known to visit flea markets, always trying to expand his collections.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Blankenship, son, Gary Blankenship II (Kyra), daughters, Loretta Norris and Angela Hershberger (David), bonus children, Spencer Jones, Jason Norris, and Lori Ingram (Troy), and sister, Inez Hicks.  In addition, he is survived by grandchildren, Casey Jones (Ashley), Drake Jones (Alix), Nicholas Norris, Nathan Hershberger, Mason Hershberger, Kierstin Blankenship, Rilyn Blankenship, multiple great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and friends, Leslie Campbell, and Teris Jester (Jimmie “Boots”).

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Betty Blankenship, and a sister, Toni Pierce (Bobby).

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Parson Mortuary, 801 W. Adams, Muncie Indiana.  Cremation will take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice, and Dr. Carmen Pisc, at the IU Health Ball Memorial Cancer Center, for their caring treatment of Gary.  They would also like to say a very special “thank you” to Gary and Mary’s neighbors, Missie and Chad Musick.

In lieu of flowers the family would donations to be made to Muncie Animal Care and Services, 901 W. Riggin Road, Muncie, Indiana, 47303, in honor of Gary.