Jan. 2, 1947 – Mar. 22, 2025
Born on January 2, 1947 in Weed, CA to Noble and Edith Blankenship. Larry passed peacefully into eternal glory on March 22, 2025 at the age of 78.
Larry grew up in Weed with his sister Geri and four brothers: Wade, Dick, Doug and Roger. In 1973 he married his wife, Marilyn, and raised their three daughters in his childhood home which he spent many hours lovingly renovating. Their family included many pets over the years. He had an immense love for animals, and they were always drawn to him. Larry loved camping and vacationing at the Oregon coast. He was active in the Weed Berean Church and enjoyed singing hymns.
He served on the Weed Elementary School Board as well as the Weed Berean Board of Elders. He loved teaching bible classes at his church and conducting church services at the Shasta View Nursing Home in Weed for many years.
He loved all things sports and was active in Weed High School football, baseball, basketball, and track. Football was his passion, and he went on to coach Weed High football teams. He was three-times inducted into the Weed High School Hall of Fame and also inducted into the Northern California Sports Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong Oklahoma Sooners Fan.
Larry worked at Safeway for 17 years. He was known as “The Heavy Duty Guy” at Weed Napa Auto Parts and later landed his dream job of Maintenance Supervisor at Weed Parks and Recreation District where he proudly maintained the parks and sports fields in Weed. In his later years, he also loved sharing his memories of Weed as a docent at the Weed Museum.
Larry was always quick to offer help to everyone. Whether it was home maintenance, installing sprinkler systems, fixing cars, painting houses, or just a word of encouragement. He always met people with a huge smile and hugs, and he touched so many lives in Siskiyou County. He wanted to make sure to share Jesus’ love and message of salvation.
Larry’s favorite movie was It’s a Wonderful Life, watching it every year. He likened himself to George Bailey and said he was “the richest man in Weed, California”.
Larry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn; his 3 children and their spouses, Brooke (John Wood), Sara (Kyle Mohagen), and Grace; his 2 grandsons, Logan and Clark Wood; his brother Roger (Gail), numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved pup, Brinkley.
We rejoice in the knowledge of resurrection and the promise of eternal life with our Lord. We find comfort in knowing Larry is now singing praises at the feet of Jesus, and we look forward to being reunited with him in Heaven.
Services will be held at Weed Berean Church on April 12, 2025 at 1:00PM
sourced: Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel
