Haskell ("Hack") Lynn Blankenship, of Tyler, TX, ended his journey on Earth on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, in Denison, TX, at Texoma Medical Center. He fought a battle of courage since being diagnosed in December of 2021. He always had a positive determined attitude throughout his passing from this earth into the arms of his heavenly father.

Haskell was born on February 1, 1946, to Arthur and Ramona (Hogue) Blankenship in Courtney, OK. Dr. Looney was the delivering doctor. Haskell attended his first years of school in Fort Worth, TX, then spent all but his senior year attending Ringling schools. He completed his senior year and graduated from Turner High School in Burneyville, OK in 1964. It was September of 1963 that Haskell said he met his soulmate and the only love of his life, Barbara Nancy Lambert. They were united in marriage on April 21, 1964, in Marietta, OK. Haskell and Barbara celebrated their reunification and renewed their wedding vows on October 17, 2019. After their marriage in 1964, they lived a short time in Marietta, and then lived in Taft, California, before moving back to Courtney.

Haskell enlisted in the United States Army on March 21, 1966. He was a Green Beret in the 5th Special Forces Group serving his time in Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge on March 20, 1969. Upon returning home, Haskell worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for a very short time. He was not an indoors person, and this is when he started his career with the oil field. He started from the bottom and finished as a consultant/ petroleum engineer for Questar. Haskell worked in South America, Indonesia, and many other places across the world,  finished this work in the United States, and retired in 2010.

Haskell was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed his daily devotional times with his wife Barbara Nancy. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years. He loved to cook and enjoyed cooking alongside Barbara. He was a man of few words and believed if he couldn't say something nice about you, he wouldn't say anything. Haskell always said everyone chooses the road they travel, and once that road is chosen, they need to travel it. He was a wonderful representation of God's love, a role model, an inspiration, and a hero to many. His wife, his doctors, nurses, work associates, and neighbors attest to this fact.

Haskell was preceded in death by his parents; his and Barbara's angel baby; his closest and favorite cousin, Larry Dennis Blankenship; and in-laws, Buford and Emma Lambert. He is survived by his wife of their home, Barbara Nancy Blankenship; bonus son, Clinton Lanning and grandson, Christian Lanning; son, Brendan Blankenship and Celie Pyle; five grandchildren; a sister, Marqueita Evans of Ringling, OK; a very special cousin, Jacqueline Blankenship Grant of Courtney; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and other family members.

Memorial services, with military honors, were held at Lakeview Cemetery with Bro. Brett Alberta officiating. Cremation services under the direction of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home, Marietta. Services were held on Friday, December 8, 2023 and in attendance were his very immediate family and friends who Haskell kept close contact with, who supported his and Barbara's loving reunion.

Memorials may be made to the Courtney Community Building Fund. Contact person: Jacqueline Grant, 34207 Grant Road, Ringling, OK, 73456.

Haskell Blankenship: I decided early on that it was important to pre-plan for my own and my wife Barbara Nancy's funerals and final resting places. In so doing, I, Haskell Blankenship, chose to pre-plan my final instructions with the assistance of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home. I want to be laid to rest beside my wife Barbara Nancy Blankenship at Lakeview Cemetery in Marietta. I may not be able to change the past, but I can change the future and that starts in the present moment. Barbara, I've always been in love with you and will hold your love in my heart and soul throughout eternity. Until we meet again in Heaven. Love you more. "I-you."

~Hack