Kenneth Blanks, Sr.

Kenneth Lee Blanks, Sr., 60, of Erie, PA, fell asleep in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 14, 2021. He was born in Erie, PA, on October 1, 1961, as the ninth child to the late Isaac “Boss” and Mabeline “Nanny” Blanks. 

Kenny was a graduate of Technical Memorial High School, Class of 1979. He was employed at GE (Webtec) for 32 years as a Welder Inspector. He was baptized at an early age at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church by the late Bishop Tony R. Ratcliff, Sr. of Erie, PA. One of his most memorable moments was coaching the Strong Vincent Colonels to State Championship and the McDowell Trojans. He continued to coach many teams after that, including individually coaching boys and girls. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. When not coaching, he could be found cooking for his family at huge events. His hobbies include lawn care and working on cars. He always kept a smile on his face that could be seen miles away. He made friends wherever he went. Across the City of Erie, he was known as “The Mayor'' and “Big Daddy”! 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Norman and Ervin Blanks; and sisters, Betty “BJ” Glenn and Ida Stanton. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memories his lovely wife, Michelle Blanks of Erie, PA; his fanfare children, Kenneth L. Blanks, Jr., Sgt. Jeremy Smith, and his only daughter that could melt his heart, Cherice Blanks, all of Erie; dear and special to his heart, his grandchildren, Julian, Amani, and Nyella, all of Erie; his lifetime squad and team, sisters, Winnie Leggett, Thelma Blanks, Marie Blanks, of Erie, Irene Blanks, of Sherman Oaks, CA, and Patty Steele (Ricky), of Erie; brothers, Joe Blanks (Mary), SFC Retired David Blanks, Sr. (Stacy), Stevenson Blanks, Sr. (Keisha), Raymond Blanks, Sr. (LaShawn), of Erie, Minister Billy Blanks, Sr. (Tomoko), of Winnetka, CA, Willie Blanks (Lori), of GA, John Blanks, of Camarillo, CA, CMDCM Retired Charles Blanks (Barbara), of Modesto, CA, Michael Blanks, of MN, and Bishop Designate Danny L. Stanton, Sr. (Elaine), of Erie; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, family, and friends! 

Friends may call at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church, 4103 Washington Ave, Erie from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Friday, November 19 and are invited to the service there at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 20. Burial to follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc Downtown, 602 W 10^th St, Erie, PA 16502. The family is requesting that all guests please wear a mask. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Erie, 1515 East Lake Road, Erie, Pennsylvania 16511; or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or Martin Luther King Center, 312 Chestnut Street, Erie, PA 16507. 

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com