Danny Lee Blankenship

Danny Lee Blankenship, 63, beloved Dad, Papa, Brother and Friend passed away peacefully on Monday, June 10, 2024 surrounded by his family. Danny was born to Charles and Laura June Blankenship on March 12th, 1961 in Wellington, Kansas. Danny grew up and went to school in Winfield, Kansas. He married Kathy Blankenship (Condit) his high school sweetheart, in August 1980. In this union, a daughter Heather Holcomb (Blankenship) was born in January 1981. Danny and Kathy later divorced but remained great friends. Danny worked for Schwan's Foods for 20 years. He met Michelle Setzkorn, his best friend and partner, in Kansas in 1999 and moved to Kemah, Texas with Michelle and her girls where he lived for the next 25 years. In Texas, he worked for Kwik Kar and most recently Watergate Marina. He was an avid car lover and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson. He also enjoyed camping, spending time at the lake boating and riding jet skis. Danny loved being outdoors and working in the yard and grilling. His latest passion was going on cruises. His children and grandchildren, who affectionally knew him as "Papa," were his greatest source of joy and pride.

He is survived by his best friend and partner of 25 years Michelle Setzkorn, his daughter Heather Holcomb and husband Nick, grandson Maison; stepdaughter Emilie Merryman and husband Daniel, grandchildren Kinsley and William; stepdaughter Bethany Tran and husband Kevin, grandchildren Brooke, Blakely and Kaden. He is survived by siblings;  Keith, Shirley, Judy, Dale and Vicki along with their families including numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Laura June Blankenship.

A celebration of life was held for Danny at Opus Grill in Watergate Marina on Monday, July 8th 4-8 pm.  Another celebration of life is being held at The Wichita Boat House 515 South Wichita Street, Wichita, Kansas 67202, for his family and friends from 2-5 pm Saturday August 17, 2024.