GAP MILLS, WV – Alvin David Blankenship, 81, of Gap Mills WV passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.  Alvin was born on April 11, 1944, in Athens, WV, the son of the late Ralph Blankenship and Jewel Vaught Wilson.

Alvin is survived and will be missed by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 58 years, Mary Lou (nee Arthur); his daughters, Pamela (Cully) and Jennifer (Kevin); his grandchildren, Garrett McCurdy, Claire Via and Carlie Via; two brothers, Clarke Blankenship and Doug Blankenship; and several loving nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Vernon, Ted, and Harold.

After graduating from Gap Mills High School, he was employed at WestVaco Corporation in Covington, VA, where, excluding a tour serving his country in the Vietnam War between 1967-68, he worked 42 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed all things outdoors and spent significant time hunting morels, ginseng, and ramps.  Gardening was a passion, and he canned enough goods to provide for the whole family.  He loved to feed birds and watch wildlife.  Cooking big meals for his kids and grandkids was a favorite and will be a topic of remembrance for years to come.

Alvin spent the last several months of his life, up to his very last breath, caring for the love of his life, Mary Lou, as she advanced through the early stages of dementia.  He exhibited love and strength that mere words cannot describe but only be treasured in memory by his family.  He acknowledged that the vow he made to her before God and the support from his family, in-laws (the Arthur family), their church family, friends, and neighbors gave him the strength to provide her the comfort she needed.  He provided an unrivaled example to his adoring son-in-laws on how to love and cherish his daughters and grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Gap Mills United Methodist Church on Zenith Road with Pastor Gene Fullen officiating. Burial will follow at Carmel Cemetery at the same location.

Visitation is from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 20 at the Groves-Mann Funeral Home in Union WV.

Family members will serve as pallbearers.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made a to U. S. Veterans support organization of your choice.

Those wishing to send online condolences or would like to sign the online guestbook, please do so by visiting www.groves-mann.com. Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home, Union, WV.