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Bishop Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice
Dale Lester Blankenship, 72, of McAlester, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory. A celebration of Dale's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Bishop Chapel of Memories, with burial to follow at Tannehill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Shane Adams, Jeremiah Davis, Richard Davis, and Eric Hendricks. Dean Tannehill will serve as honorary pallbearer. Dale was born on August 15, 1952, in South Charleston, West Virginia, to James L. and Genevieve Virginia (Adkins) Blankenship. He grew up with a curious mind and a knack for all things mechanical-a passion that guided him throughout his life. He graduated from Jordan High School in Long Beach, California, and attended California State University, Long Beach. Dale also pursued additional vocational studies in aerospace engineering and mechanics, setting the stage for a remarkable career in the aerospace industry. Dale's professional life was filled with extraordinary achievements. He worked as a Flight Operations Chief Mechanic and Spacecraft Test Technician for Rockwell International and Boeing. He later retired from Spirit AeroSystems as a Master Mechanic and Quality Control Inspector, where he was employed from 1984 to 2017. During his distinguished career, Dale contributed to the development and testing of the B-1 Bomber, the Space Shuttle, and the AC-130U gunships-projects that reflected his deep expertise and dedication to innovation. But beyond his technical brilliance, Dale was known for his indomitable spirit and kind heart. He inspired those around him to persevere through life's challenges with strength and grace. Outside of work, Dale lived life to the fullest. He loved restoring classic cars, riding motorcycles, and boating. He was always up for a new adventure-especially if it involved the great outdoors. He shared a loving and adventurous relationship with Norma Jean (Tannehill) Sulivan. Together, they traveled, fished, camped, and simply enjoyed one another's company. Dale also had a true talent for cooking and especially enjoyed grilling and barbecue. Known for his engaging personality, Dale never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and could speak thoughtfully with anyone-whether a lifelong friend or someone he'd just met. Dale was preceded in death by his father, James L. Blankenship; his mother, Genevieve V. Blankenship-Bunch; his beloved wife, Norma Jean Sulivan; his brother, Dallas L. Blankenship; sisters, Rena Lou Garcia and Patsy Chapman; his son-in-law, Thomas L. Suter; and step-sons Jeremy P. Hatheway and Paul Letournea. He is survived by his twin sister, Gail Leslie Spurlock and her husband Gary; sister, Bobbie Jo Scarberry; his brother, Phillip H. Blankenship and wife Glenda; his children: Dale Blankenship, Jr. and wife Michelle, Curtis Blankenship and wife Teodora, and Venus Blankenship; his stepchildren: Rachel Suter and Daniel D. Hatheway; grandchildren: Jasmine Blankenship, Shane Adams, Jessica Wagoner, and Justus McCarty; five great-grandchildren; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Dale was a man who truly enjoyed life, his family, and the friendships he formed along the way. His legacy of kindness, resilience, and curiosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
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