Obituary

Blankenship, Wendell

Wendell Blankenship, 75, of Lubbock formerly of Plainview passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016, in Lubbock. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Plainview Memorial Park followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Mr. Lanny Voss officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. A visitation will be held on Tuesday evening, May 24, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Wendell was born on Sept. 15, 1940, to Herman and Nettie Blankenship in Anadarko, Oklahoma. He graduated from Anadarko High School in 1959. He married Patricia Ann FitzGerald that same year. Wendell started working in a local grocery store at 13 years old. He went on to management at Safeway grocery stores. In 1964, he partnered with his brother Norman Blankenship to open his first Pizza Hut in Duncan, Okla., and then on to Lubbock, Texas, where they opened three more. Wendell went on to open Pizza Huts in Louisiana and New Mexico, along with several other restaurant ventures. Wendell had a lifelong love of horses and was involved in Paint horse racing for over 40 years. He was a stock provider for the Professional Bullriders Association (PBR). Wendell was also a rancher and was always "at home" at the ranch. He was always a rancher at heart. He was a pilot and flew for business and chasing horse races everywhere. He had a unique intensity about him, and enjoyed seeing people doing well and working hard. Wendell said he truly believed that God put him on this earth to "work." That he did! He loved his family and was the best at making people believe in themselves. With three kids, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren he had ample opportunity to do just that. Survivors include his wife Pat Blankenship of Lubbock; three children, Kari Byrd of Lubbock, Greg Blankenship and wife Twyla of Lubbock, Lori Cate and husband Greg of Lubbock; one brother, Herb Blankinship of Midland; two sisters, Virginia Pownell of Austin, Sarah Ann Young of Anadarko, Okla.; brother-in-law, Jim FitzGerald of Plainview; grandchildren, Leah Byrd, Amber Wooldridge (Kyle), Brandi Toogood (Keith), Kody Byrd, Tanner Ferrell (Destanie), Justin Ferrell (Korrie), Camron Blankenship; great-grandchildren, Rylieann Ferrell, Graham Toogood, Cape Wooldridge, Harper Toogood, Shepherd Wooldridge, Brynlee Ferrell, Beckett Toogood, Kendell Ferrell, Tenley Mae Wooldridge, Bryxten Ferrell. The family suggests memorials to the National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or Lakeridge United Methodist Church, 4701 82nd St, Lubbock, TX 79424. Online condolences can be sent at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.