Leslie Emory Blankenship, Jr., 94, of Daleville, passed away peacefully at his home on September 11, 2026. He was born on January 21, 1932 in Roanoke to Leslie and Lillian Blankenship. Les was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bobby; sister, Ilene; his beloved wife, Rader; and his daughter, Phyllis.
He iss survived by his children, Jim Blankenship (Lisa), Deb Moore (JD); grandchildren, Scott, Josh, Laura, Chris and Zach; and great-grandchildren, Riley, Andrew, Noah, Gabe, Hunter, Camryn, George, Zachary, Chandler and Scottie.
Les proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a Radio Operator on the B17 Bomber and received an honorable discharge July 1954. After his military service he married the love of his life, Rader. They shared 64 years of marriage until Rader’s passing in January 2020. Les started his career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller and retired from the Roanoke Air Traffic Control Tower in January 1985 as a Tower Supervisor.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2026 in Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem, with Pastor Warren officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfh.com or by calling 540-254-3000.
