Eldon Eugene Blankenbeckler, 93, of Milton, Indiana, passed away Sunday morning, March 12, 2023 at Reid Health, Richmond.
He was born March 22, 1929 in Morgan County, Tennessee, one of ten children of Eugene and Gladys May Blankenbeckler. In 1949 he graduated from Oliver Springs High School in Oliver Springs, Tennessee.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1952.
On January 28, 1955, he married Loretta Lunsford at his aunt Billie Smith’s home in Milton. Mrs. Blankenbeckler survives.
Self-employed, Eldon worked in residential construction his whole life, retiring in 2007.
He was a member of Doddridge Chapel in Centerville, Indiana. He was also a 50+ member of the F. & A. M. Milton Lodge #108 where he was past Master. He was also a lifetime member of the DAV.
In his leisure, he enjoyed listening to bluegrass music, hunting, fishing, boating, and spending time with family.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Loretta Blankenbeckler of Milton; his daughter, Linda Willhite of Milton; two grandchildren, Tammy (Boyd) Lunsford and Travis (Amee) Willhite; four great grandchildren, Nicole (Amber) Bristow, Hayley (Lee) Bond, Dustin Lunsford, and Hunter Willhite; four great-great grandchildren, Ryker, Payson, Kase, and Jesse; two sisters, Betty Sue Martin of Sevierville, Tennessee and Josephine Auchmoody of Florida; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert Lee, Gregory, Curtis, and Ronald Blankenbeckler; and three sisters, Janet French, Marjorie Daugherty, and Beverly Seiber.
Friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Masonic Memorial Services will be conducted by Milton Lodge #108 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastors Larry Wadle and Phil Marcum at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Burial with military honors conducted by the Cambridge City American Legion Post #169 will be in West Side Cemetery, Milton.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Eldon to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.