Dorman Alton "Pap" Blankenship

Dorman Alton “Pap” Blankenship, 94, of Rio Grande, Ohio passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, at his residence following a brief illness. He was born February 12, 1932, in Big Bottom, West Virginia, son of the late John Duff Blankenship and Nettie Mae (Cline) Blankenship.

Alton enjoyed farming, being outdoors and spending time with his family and church family. He was the last living founding member of the Silver Memorial Free Will Baptist Church, Gallipolis, and will be greatly missed by the congregation, who he considered his family. Alton assumed many roles at the church. He loved to sing and this passion led him to the role of church song leader for more than fifty years.

Alton married Mila (Browning) Blankenship, September 22, 1956, in Verner, West Virginia, and she preceded him in death October 9, 2025. To this union was born a son, Gregory Alton Blankenship and wife, Lori; grandchildren: Stefanie and husband, Steve, Evan and wife, Whitney and great-grandchildren Landyn, Jase, Rylynn, Reagann and Rori. He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Lonnie and Bertie Blankenship, sister-in-law, Kitty Blankenship many nieces, nephews and his church family.

In addition to his wife, Alton was preceded in death by brothers Arley, Gerald and Danny Blankenship and sisters, Arleen Walls, Allie Hatfield, Doris McWilliams, Amy Blankenship and three infant siblings.

Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in the Silver Memorial Freewill Baptist Church, 128 Rand Ave. Gallipolis, Ohio. Burial will follow in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday August 25, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. The McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis is honored to serve the Blankenship Family.