Robert Ray Blankenship, age 62, of Battle Creek, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Battle Creek.

The son of Raymond & Alice (Bowman) Blankenship, he was born on December 27, 1949 in Battle Creek and worked as a grounds keeper for Ft. Custer Cemetery.

Survivors include a sister, Jane Rouse of Battle Creek.

Burial with Full Military Honors will be Thursday, March 1st, 2012 at 11:00 am at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta Michigan.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Michigan Cremation Company, Grand Rapids, honored providers of Veterans Funeral Care.