Keith Blankenship, 78

On Sept. 2, 2026, Keith Royce Blankenship, 78, was reunited in heaven with Jesus and his beloved wife, Diane, just weeks before his 79th birthday. Born on Sept. 30, 1947, in Helena, Keith was the son of Guy Wilfred Blankenship and Madelyn Jane McGillis.

Keith was a devoted husband, father, brother, Marine, and friend. His sister, Diane Marble, remembers him as a great man who loved his family deeply and dedicated his life to serving others.

Upon graduating from high school, Keith voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing basic and advanced combat training, he was assigned to a Marine combat unit in Vietnam. From the summer of 1967 through the summer of 1968, he served with the Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division (Reinforced).

The mission of the Third Reconnaissance Battalion was exceptionally dangerous. Small patrols of five to eight Marines were inserted deep behind enemy lines to locate North Vietnamese Army forces, base camps, and other vital intelligence. Keith distinguished himself during numerous encounters involving close contact with enemy forces. He participated in at least seven patrols that resulted in direct combat, during which fellow Marines were wounded or lost their lives.

Keith also served during the 1968 Tet Offensive and the siege of the Marine combat base at Khe Sanh. His military honors included the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon, two Presidential Unit Citations, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. His courage, sacrifice, and faithful service will never be forgotten by the band of brothers with whom he proudly served.

After returning home, Keith attended Helena Vo-Tech, where he learned the welding trade. Known for his strong work ethic, he worked as a welder for the ASARCO smelting company in East Helena for more than 35 years.

At the heart of Keith's life was his beloved wife, Diane Blankenship. Married for more than 52 years, they built a life grounded in enduring love, family, faith, and service. Diane was the love of his life, and her death three years before his left a profound absence. Together, they raised two sons, Paul Justin Blankenship and David Shawn Blankenship.

Keith and Diane were devout Catholics who attended Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Their faith guided their lives and strengthened their devotion to their family and community. For many years, they volunteered with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, helping bring joy to children and families in need.

Like many veterans, Keith carried lasting wounds from his service in Vietnam. He faced alcoholism but found the strength to achieve sobriety and then devoted himself to supporting others in their recovery. He was active in Alcoholics Anonymous, and his three regular meetings became an important part of his life. Through the fellowship, he formed many valued friendships and close connections while offering encouragement, understanding, and hope to others walking a similar path.

Keith will be remembered for his courage, hard work, resilience, loyalty, and deep devotion to his family. He was a proud Marine who served his country with distinction, a loving husband and father, a caring brother, and a steadfast friend. His life was one of service - to his country, his family, his faith, his community, and those seeking sobriety.

Keith is survived by his sons, Paul Justin Blankenship and David Shawn Blankenship and his wife, Autumn; his sister, Diane Marble; sisters-in-law, Doreen Ellis, Patty King, Paula Hanig, and Susan Wolcott; grandchildren, Kati, Desiree, Alyssa, Krista, Patrick, Airk, Elora, Robert, Cadence, Corbyn, and Kieran; many great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane Blankenship, and his parents, Guy Wilfred Blankenship and Madelyn Jane McGillis.

A funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m. on Oct. 6 at Cathedral of St. Helena. Graveside services with a Marine honor guard will follow at Fort Harrison. A reception will then be held at the Cathedral.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Toys for Tots or other closely related charities in memory of Keith and Diane.

Semper Fidelis.