Houston- Mr. Donald Edward Blankenship, 76, passed away on December 13, 2021, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. Mr. Blankenship was born on August 22, 1945, in Columbus, Mississippi to Claude Eckford Blankenship and Lucy Lee Ruffin Blankenship. He was the retired owner of Don`s Pak- A- Pok, a salesman for Dad & Lad, and worked as the door greeter and cashier for the last 13 years at Houston Walmart. Mr. Blankenship was a member of Southside Church of Christ. Greeting many faces, whether familiar or not, was the highlight of his day. His smile was contagious, and his love for people was evident. He was slow to anger and quick to forgive. Dependable work ethic was his anthem. He will be so missed but remembered forever for his unconditional love.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at Houston Funeral Home in Houston from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. at Houston Funeral Home in Houston, MS with Bro. Billy Free and Dr. Randy Rinehart officiating.

Burial will be at Houston City Cemetery in Houston, MS.

Houston Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Don is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mrs. Linda Neal Blankenship of Houston; his son, Jonathan (Christie Smith) Blankenship of Houston; his daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Gore of Woodland; his grandchildren, Caroline (Jayden Reynolds) Blankenship, and Ryan and Grayson Gore; he is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Don is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Leo Blankenship, and his sisters, Joy Anderson, and Sandra Boyce.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Free, Josh Alford, Bobby Anderson, Greg King, Jerritt Alford, Eddie Alford, and Jody Alford.

Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Furr, Artley Lynn, Michael Boyce, and employees of Houston Walmart.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

St. Jude Children's Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

OR

LeBonheur Children's Hospital

P. O. Box 41817

Memphis, TN 38174-1817

Or a charity of your choice

**The family has asked that social distancing and CDC Guidelines be kept in mind. Please bring your mask. If you do not have one, Houston Funeral Home will provide you with one. **

Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.houstonfuneralhomems.com