Alan Lane Blankenship

Alan Lane Blankenship, of Arlington, Texas, passed away October 20, 2025, at the age of 71. Alan was born September 23, 1954, in San Angelo, Texas to Cicero Jourdan “Smokey” Blankenship and Sarah Helen Pledge Blankenship.

Alan spent his growing up years in Corpus Christi, Texas. As a teen he learned to steer a sailboat and surf. He liked strumming his guitar, and had a gift at writing, especially poetry. To pay for braces, Alan did cabinetry work for a local dentist. Later, he learned how to use a lathe and made beautiful wooden bowls to sell which helped pay his tuition to the University of Texas at Austin.

After graduating, he began teaching and met Janet Hunter. They married in 1977 and raised 5 children together: Lane, Brody, Alys, Alyson, and Hunter. As the children were growing up, Alan taught school, built and sold homes, and then worked as the Assistant Recorder at the Dallas Texas Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a work he greatly loved. Alan’s health worsened as the years passed, requiring him to stop working in 1997; however, he continued to serve in the church, work in the yard, and use his building skills to craft just about anything his mind imagined. He wrote poetry and read from the scriptures daily. He loved people and offered service to friends and neighbors often, even when he felt he didn’t have the physical strength.

In 2002, he and Jan divorced, yet they remained friends and kept their children close to their hearts. Alan met Brenda Oxspring in November 2002, and they were married May 10, 2003. Alan spent the last 22 years together with Brenda. She brought him comfort and assurance during his many painful days and nights. He was a blessed Papa Dude, able to know each of his grandchildren. Alan prayed for and worried over each of his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of them and wanted so much for them. Above all, Alan loved his family and his Savior Jesus Christ.

Preceding Alan in death are parents, Smokey & Helen Blankenship; brother, Ed Blankenship, and brother-in-law Bill Bridger.

Remaining to cherish Alan’s memories are spouse, Brenda Blankenship; siblings, Darlene & Bobby Walser and Carol Bridger; children, Lane & Jalei Blankenship, Brody & Kate Blankenship, Alys & Sean Favero, Alyson & Chris Pray, and Thaddeus Hunter & Haley Blankenship; and grandchildren, Tyler, Dirk, Miles, Elliot, Harrison, Kara, Ayla, Asher, Davis, Milo, Perry, Brielle, & Bennett.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3809 Curt Dr. Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, November 1st at 1 pm.

Alan’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the poems he wrote, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed.