Blankmann, Robert B.
Passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the age of 96. Beloved husband of the late Betty J. (Higgins); dear father of Toni L. (Bob Weiner) of Houston, TX, James R. and Carol A. Hendricks (Rick); loving grandfather of Katie Truxton (Dave), Gregg and Susan Uptegrove; dear great-grandfather of Tyler, Lexi and Ava Truxton; our dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend.
Bob was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church since 1951 and a member of the American Legion and Carondelet Historical Society. He retired from Brown Shoe Co. in 1986 after 27 years as a Project Engineer. He served in the American Air Force during World War II flying 35 combat missions over Japan from Saipan as a B-29 Tail Gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Oak Clusters. Bob loved the outdoors and farmed in the Fredericktown, MO area since the 1960s. He sang in the St. Wenceslaus Church Choir over 50 years and was a friend to many.
Services: Visitation Sunday, November 14, 3-8 p.m. at Kutis City Chapel, 2906 Gravois, Funeral Monday, November 15, 9:30 a.m. from Kutis City Chapel to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the St. Wenceslaus Capital Fund (for organ) or Congregation of the Missionaries of the Holy Family N.A. Province Retirement Trust greatly appreciated.
I was so happy to have spent time with Uncle Bob these past few years in Fredericktown. He always had such great stories to share and always made us feel so welcome. His memory was incredible!
You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. We will also miss him very much.
Dear Members of the Blankmann family,
I am sorry for the passing of your Dad, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend. I am praying for you all that while we rejoice in his transition to eternal life, we mourn because we see him no longer. May your memories of Mr. Blankmann warm your heart until you see him, again.
So many happy memories of time and the farm and a Manhattan by the fire
Toni, Carol and Jim, I am so sorry for Bobs passing. He was a good religious man that I believe became a better person the older he got. I know he is adored by all of you his children and his grandchildren. He was a part of the greatest generation and served this country to stop tyranny with bravery and honor. He was very kind to me at my fathers funeral and I will always think fondly of him for that. May he Rest In Peace and reunite with your mother Betty in heaven.
Toni, Carol, and Jimmie,
We are sorry to for the loss of Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob was a great man, and was always so good to us Witt boys. I have fond memories of all of the times at the Country, and when we would visit him and Aunt Betty when we were kids.
You are in our thoughts and prayers, and sending our love to you and all of your family.
Love,
Jason, Tracy, Ethan, and Aidan
I was lucky to have known Bob. I have been a friend of his family for 50 years. I use to love to talk with Bob about the second world war. Rest in peace dear man.
To Bob’s Family,
My mother, Ruth Coker, met Bob while both were in their 80’s. They became friends during that time and Bob was a fabulous companion to her. They participated in senior citizen activities, took walks in the park, attended Compton Heights concerts, and visited Bob’s farm on several occasions. Ruth reciprocated by inviting Bob to a couple of our family gatherings on Holly Hills.
My Mom gave Bob high marks for his gentlemanly behavior, his companionship, and his willingness to assist her when her cancer returned. I know each brought joy to the other for a few years. As Ruth neared the end of her life, I told her that Bob was looking for a car for a family member. She said, Dave, “sell my car to Bob for one dollar!” I believe Bob appreciated that last gesture of her goodwill for his friendship.
My condolences on the passing of a fine man, a patriot, and friend to many.
Sincerely,
Dave McMillan
We are very sorry for the loss of Bob. May he Rest In Peace. And may you all be comforted, by the many wonderful memories created with him. With deepest Sympathy. Hilda, KC, Lily and Bella Frank