Ernest Loyd Blankenship
May 17, 1941 - February 8, 2026
Ernest "Loyd" Blankenship, 84, of Ochelata, joined his beloved wife Julia in Heaven on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Loyd was born May 17, 1941, in Dawson, Oklahoma, to Nelson Leon "Dome" and Lorea "Lucille" (Willis) Blankenship. Loyd graduated from Ramona High School in 1959. While in high school, he enjoyed woodworking in shop class. He later attended Bryan Institute, completing the Information Technology program.
Loyd married the love of his life Julia Ann Picaman on May 25, 1962, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bartlesville. Through the years, Loyd has lived in Ramona, Tulsa, Jenks, and Ochelata.
He served in the Army National Guard from February 28, 1961, to February 27, 1968, when he retired as a sergeant.
Many years later, Loyd retired from working as an accountant at Cities Service and had also worked at Client Logic, Sitel, and Cable One. Loyd was a member of the American Legion in Ramona and was an active Boy Scout Leader. He was also a member of the Liars Club table at Fosters' Store.
In addition to his love of Pepsi, Loyd's hobbies included woodworking, motorcycles, cars, electronics, computers, and remodeling mom's kitchen. He enjoyed watching western movies, HGTV, and YouTube. Loyd made several wood pens to give as gifts.
He enjoyed serving in the community and woodworking for family and others. He made a memorial plaque, which is installed on the wall at Mazzio's Pizza in honor of Paul Jackson.
Loyd is survived by three children, Jeremy Blankenship, Joii Harvey, and Kimberly Glover; a sister, Janice Souter; grandchildren, Hayley Wren and husband Corbin, Skye Candelaria and husband Anthony, Dakota Blankenship and wife Jozi, Tristen Hood, Larissa Harvey, Gavin Blankenship, Julien Hood, Joshua Harvey, Kammy Harvey, Olivia Glover; and great-grandchildren, Lynnden, Collin, Cutter, James, Cali, Mateo, Everest, Quinn, Finley, and a baby due in August; and numerous other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Julia; his parents, Dome and Lucille Blankenship; and sister, Pauline Gallamore.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Ochelata Holiness Church with Pastor Seth Herring officiating. Interment will follow at Ochelata Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dakota Blankenship, Gavin Blankenship, Tristen Hood, Julien Hood, Olivia Glover, Corbin Wren, and Anthony Candelaria. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel, 4201 Nowata Road, Bartlesville, OK 74006, 918-333-7665. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.
