William B. Blankenship, 93, passed away peacefully in his home with family by his side. William graduated from Springfield High School in 1941, where he was an all-state center fielder. He married his high school sweetheart, Lela Alexander in 1942. He then honorably served in WWII where he earned the Bronze Star Army Commemoration, and Purple Heart in 1945. He went on to serve 27 years in the Air Force, being awarded The Air Force Congressional Medal, carrying a ranking of Chief Warrant Officer-4. William also completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Missouri, and a Master’s in Science from Southwest Missouri State University in 1973, then he went on to work for the state as a guidance counselor for several years before retiring. William was married to his beloved wife for nearly 71 years. He is survived by his son, Carl Blankenship, and daughter-in-law, Peggy Blankenship, along with his grandchildren, Carl Blankenship, Jr., Brandy Blankenship, Jennifer Christian, Chastidy Parke, and Jeff Calton along with seven adored great- grandchildren.Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 12th, 2016, at 10 AM, in Springfield National Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home South.