Gene "Barry" Blankenship

KENT - Gene “Barry” Blankenship, 82, died peacefully on April 25, 2026, after 6 years of declining health. Through it all, he remained courageous and remarkably upbeat, even trying to reassure his family with his last words, “I’m fine so far!”

Barry was born on March 20th, 1944, to the late Claude and Mae (Martin) Blankenship in Buckhannon, WV. He graduated from WV Wesleyan College where he met his future wife, LeeAnn (Bennett). They recently celebrated 59 years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, Barry is survived by his children, Tracy Luna, Todd Blankenship (Nathan Sienkiewicz), Teri (James) Engelmann; beloved grandchildren, Andrew and Sabina; brother-in-law, Emory Leaseburge; sisters-in-law, Nancy Blankenship, Karen Bennett & partner Phil, Christine (Jeff) Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine and his brother, Noel.

As a boy growing up in rural Appalachia, Barry was surrounded by the oral traditions of the area and saw the value of personal connection through storytelling. He enjoyed all that the great outdoors and the hills of WV have to offer. He enjoyed deer hunting with his father and brother, and later with two of his children, as well as other hunting buddies.

Barry’s working life took many turns, beginning with picking green beans and digging mayapple roots as a child, then painting radio towers, being a night watchman, and working construction while putting himself through college. After graduation, he worked as a job counselor. Then, with encouragement from his father-in-law who loved flying, Barry’s interests turned to aviation. Eventually, he became a flight instructor/charter pilot. In 1973, he pivoted again and joined the Kent Fire Department from which he retired as Chief, after serving the community for almost 22 years. As Chief, he felt a deep sense of responsibility for the safety of “his” firefighters and was proud to have hired Kent’s first female firefighter.

Most people who attended the Heritage Festival in Kent had the “pleasure” of hearing Barry’s fervent sales pitch for Lion’s Club raffle tickets. Drawing on his passion for helping others gain the gift of sight and his talent for persuasive turns of phrase, he was one of the club’s top sellers. He was also known for his clever sense of humor and affectionate harassment of loved ones.

Barry was a friendly, easy-going man who loved lunch out, conversations with friends and neighbors, travel, winters in Arizona, music, sitting on the porch, and eating ice cream. Using a prize-winning recipe, he baked many fruitcakes, sharing them with family and hunting buddies. He loved his family fiercely. Guided by his Higher Power and determined to keep his family together and happy, he had 42 years of continuous sobriety. A humble man, he was willing to ask for help when he needed it and was receptive to guidance from professionals. In keeping with his generous spirit, he has donated his body for medical research.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2:00-4:00PM at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.

Donations may be made to the Kent Fire Department, Kent Lion’s Club, or Ohio Living Hospice.

Services in the care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.