Steven E. Blankenship, age 49, of Big Rapids, passed away to be with our Lord, October 16, 2008 in Bloomfield Hills due to injuries sustained from a motorcycle/deer accident in July. He was born Aug. 26, 1959 in Redford Twp. to William and Patricia (Wheeler) Blankenship. Steve was raised in Farwell and graduated from Farwell Area High School. He married Kathleen McMahon July 17, 1981 in Beverly Hills, MI. Steve had been employed as a salesman for Kramer Foods, Viviano Wine Company and most recently Imperial Beverage at the time of his accident where he was an outstanding salesman for the months of April, May and June of 2008. Steve was a kind, compassionate, outstanding man who loved his family and friends. He loved sports and music. Riding his Harley motorcycle was his passion. Steve always thought of others and thought of ways to help them. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 27 years Kathy of Big Rapids, two sons Jim and Bill Blankenship of Big Rapids, his mother Patricia Blankenship of Farwell, one sister Gayle and husband Joesph G. Blankenship-Wauldron of Detroit and their children: William, Peter and Christopher, brother-in-law: Robert and his wife Patti McMahon of Dayton, TN and her children; Amber and Ryan, sister-in-law: Nancy Mc Mahon and her husband Joseph Hoffman and her children; Colleen, Erin and Michelle, and two great nieces and 1 great nephew, his favorite Aunts Nancy Blankenship and Judi Latimer of Novi, close friends and brothers at heart Jim and Rob Howard and Jerry Turner. Steve was preceded in death by his father William James Blankenship. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Steve Blankenship Memorial Fund c/o Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home, 13985 Northland Dr., Big Rapids, MI 49307.