Andrew Crafton 'Drew' Blankenship

Mr. Andrew Crafton "Drew" Blankenship died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at St. Bernard's Hospital in Jonesboro. He was born to Koehler and Pam Blankenship of Dell Oct. 22, 1968, and lived his entire life there.

He is survived by his wife of nearly fifteen years, Angela Ramey Blankenship, and their two sons Jacob (11) and Crafton (8).

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Rupert Crafton of Blytheville, Mrs. Mildred Blankenship of Dell, Mr. U.S. Blankenship of Jackson, Miss., and his older brother, Gus Blankenship of Dell.

Drew was a long distance runner at Gosnell High School and went on to run cross-country at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. He later graduated with a degree in Mass Communications from Arkansas State University. After college he farmed with his father in Mississippi County. They were named 1996 Mississippi County Farm Family of the Year.

Drew was a lifetime member of the Dell United Methodist Church, served on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi County Farm Bureau and founded the Gosnell High School Trap team.

An avid outdoorsman and pilot, he loved fishing, hunting and traveling with his family and friends. His zest for life was enough to fill several lifetimes.

Survivors also include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Koehler Blankenship;

A sister, Liz Blankenship Carroll and her children, Gus (14), Grace (12) and Spencer (8);

In-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ramey; Drew and Julia Ramey and their children Lake and Noah, as well as many loving aunts, uncles and extended family.

If a man's wealth can be measured by the depth and number of his friends then Drew Blankenship may well have been one of the wealthiest men who ever lived. He leaves behind a legacy of friends too dear and numerous to list. His family will remain forever mindful of the many kind and thoughtful gestures on the part of family and friends these past few days. We find comfort in the knowledge of their support in the days to come.

Services were held at the Dell Methodist Church.

Memorials may be sent to: the Dell Methodist Church, PO Box 295, Dell, AR 72426; the Gosnell Trap Team, 600 Airbase Highway, Blytheville, AR 72315, or the Mississippi County Community Foundation Blankenship-Crafton Memorial Trust Fund for the benefit of the Arkansas Childrens' Hospital, PO Box 2104, Blytheville, AR 72316.