MONETTE " Richard Kyle Blankenship, 91, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Monette Manor.

He was born April 11, 1921, at Macey to the late Richard Clyde and Allie Mae Wallace Blankenship. Mr. Kyle was a 1940 graduate of Monette High School, where he was valedictorian. He served his country proudly in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, then as a member of the American Legion. He served his community as a member of the Monette Volunteer Fire Department from 1947 until 1996; helped organize the first V.J. Day celebration in Monette; helped organize the first baseball park in Monette and coached for several years; and built the foul board in the old Monette Gym, which he operated for more than 30 years.

He was a faithful member of Monette First Baptist Church. He started Blankenship's Body Shop in 1945, and his son continues the family business. He raced speed boats in the 50s and stock cars in the 60s and 70s, and he loved watching NASCAR. He was also called "Tin Bender" by all of his CB radio friends. He loved watching his grandkids play ball and to listen to them sing. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Judy and Gary Gipson of Benton, Suzanne and Russ Hurt of Lamar, Mo., and Bob and Doris Blankenship of Monette; a brother, Phillip Blankenship of Cardwell, Mo.; a sister, Doris Ballew of Dallas; 10 grandchildren, Chad Carter, Micah Gipson, Kris Gipson, Todd Gipson, Brooke Gibson, Blake Westbrook, Chase Hurt, Ryan Hurt, Missi Miller and Kristi Wildy; and 11 great-grandchildren, Logan Gipson, Matthew Gipson, Carson Browning, Noah Gibson, Eden Gibson, Beighlor Hurt, Jordon Miller, Caleb Miller, Connor Miller, Blaire Wildy and Blaine Wildy.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Geneva Mahan Blankenship; and two sisters, Betty Wright and Bonita Reed.

A celebration of his life will be 2 p.m. Monday at Monette First Baptist Church with the Rev. Gary Gipson and Chaplain Robert Chambers officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Monette Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Monette.

The family will receive friends from noon until service time at the church. Honored to serve as active pallbearers are Billy Harrell, W.T. Bibb, Kevin Wimberley, David Clark, Kristian Nuckles and Bob Hurst.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mac Bounds, Marlin King, past and present members of the Monette Volunteer Fire Department, and the members of the Monette-Abner Blankenship American Legion Post.