Clifford G. Blankenship, age 88, of York, Nebraska died Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born June 16, 1921 in Sasakwa, Oklahoma to Emmit Monroe and Laura (Perry) Blankenship. Over the years, Clifford worked at several different jobs including oil field drilling, owner/operator of his own trucking company, car salesman, and sales representative for Bush Hog Manufacturing.

He proudly served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge as well as four other major battles. Clifford earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He was united in marriage to Nellie Jean Holt on November 3, 1950 at Mena, AR. Clifford was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Holdenville, Oklahoma as well as a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed traveling, horseback riding and most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nellie of York; daughters, Carolyn Sue and her children of Ada, Oklahoma; Billie and her husband, Gary Matlock, of York; and Debra Blankenship of Austin, Texas; grandchildren: Jay Matlock of York; Dana Matlock of Aurora, Colorado; Clifton Matlock of Lincoln, Nebraska and his children Caitlin and Reagan of Henderson, Nebraska; Candy Prendenville, her husband, James, and their children: Sean, Lauren, and Ryan of Round Rock, Texas; Troy Smock, his wife, Rebecca, and their children: Elsa and Jonah of Ahwanee, California. Clifford is also survived by sisters-in-law, Polly Middleton of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Janis (Gene) Chaney of Oilton, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 in York, Nebraska. Graveside services with military honors are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Monday, October 26, 2009 at Holdenville Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday from 9:00am - 1:00 pm at Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home in Holdenville.

Memorials may be directed to the Teen Challenge of the Midlands. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.metzmortuary.com.