Obituaries

Larry L. Blank

Larry L. Blank, 77, of California, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family and close friends. He was born on October 26, 1940 and was the only son of Charles Leonard Blank and Faye Mabel (Peters) Blank. Growing up in California, Larry joined the Local Boy Scouts and his future wife, Jane's father, John C. Kibbe, was his scout master. He had many childhood friends he commonly referred to as "the group," who remained close during his life. He attended California Schools and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in February, 1960. He served in the Aleutian and Philippine Islands. He proudly served his country from 1960 1966. On September 15, 1964, he married Sandra K. Purnell and had one daughter, Deborah D. Bledsoe, who lives in Rocky Mount. Even after Larry and Sandy divorced, they remained good friends throughout the years. After working for Union Oil in Anaheim, California, Larry returned back to his hometown of California to assist his father in operating the family business of Blank's Backhoe Service. On October 20, 1980, he married the love of his life, Jane (Kibbe) Blank, who survives of the home. They had two loving sons, Darin Blank (Erin Fielding) and Tyler Blank (Kelsey Brauner), both of California. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Rowan and Vivienne Blank. Larry was a proud foster parent and considered many of Darin and Tyler's childhood friends as his honorary children. Due to serious health issues, Larry relied on his son, Tyler, to operate the family business. He was a member of the First Christian Church. He was known for helping many people in need during his lifetime. Larry raced sprint cars at the local race track now known as Double XX Speedway. He continued to enjoy watching the races but his passion became relived as his son, Tyler Blank, began racing winged sprint cars. He was Team # 75's biggest fan. One could often find Larry with his friends early in the morning at Nic Nac Café, where they would talk of politics and local news. He had a remarkable memory and due to his many years of digging graves, could recall where individuals were buried and the date they had passed. He loved the Blank Family Farm and enjoyed hauling dirt when he was in good health. He also enjoyed playing pool, fishing, hunting, and searching for arrowheads. He was a member of the 20 Club where he and his buddies played pinochle during the day. Larry was a history buff and avid reader of the Civil War and enjoyed watching old westerns. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California. Burial with full military honors followed at the California Masonic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the 20 Club or the Local Boy Scouts Camp Fund, c/o the funeral home. Arrangements under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California.

Published May 30, 2018