Norris Edward Blankenship was born on September 23, 1938 in Vandalia, Illinois to the parents of Rev. Kenneth & Edith Blankenship. He passed away on November 22, 2021 at the age of 83 years.

Norris went into banking at the age of 18, out of high school. He retired from banking after 48 years of service

He married Joan (Pryor) Knebel on November 14, 1960. They made their home in Ramsey, Illinois, where he worked at Ramsey National Bank, before moving to Fredericktown, Missouri in 1996 where he remained. Joan Blankenship preceded him in death on July 5, 2004. He then married Linda (Sitzes) Guinn of Fredericktown on September 3, 2005 and she remains.

Norris was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Kenneth & Edith Blankenship, his only sibling Rev. Dennis Blankenship and one great granddaughter Haley Cook.

He is survived by 7 children: Kenna (friend Kevin) Durbin of Hillsboro, Illinois, David (wife Lorrie) Blankenship of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Patricia (husband Dave) Goldstein of Altamont, Illinois, Traci (husband Curt) Sidwell of Fredericktown, Missouri, Sheila (husband Danny) Kemp of Fredericktown, Missouri, Faron (friend Debbie) Guinn of Fredericktown, Mimby (husband Craig) Graham of Fredericktown, Missouri.

Eighteen (18) grandchildren Scott, Derek, Corey, Cody, Leah, Mark, Sam, Ryan, Adam, Katelynn, Dustin, Isaac, Jessa, Jake, Khristian, Megan, Nick & Lakeisha.

Twenty-Five (25) great grandchildren Gage, Rylan, Linley, Audrey, Blake, Paisleigh, Blake, Greyson, PJ, Tinley, Brixlynn, Tripp, Aiden, Brady, Lily, Ashlynn, Falynn, Cohen, Landon, Rylan, Kalvin, Gavin, Toby, Josie & Eli.

Norris was a member of the Lions Club and was on the Ramsey National Bank Bowling League. He was an ordained deacon at Steeleville Baptist Church of Illinois and Meadow Heights Baptist Church at Fredericktown. He was a Sunday School teacher for many years and a song leader. Norris was a firm believer in prayer and prayed before every decision he made.

Norris enjoyed gospel singing, family trips, sitting outside with his cup of coffee and watching St. Louis Cardinals Baseball.