CDR Thomas Nelson Blanks

Published 8:30 am Thursday, July 15, 2010

    MARIETTA, Ga. – Graveside services for CDR Thomas Nelson Blanks will be held Friday at 11 a.m. with full military honors at Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery in Marietta. Carmichael Funeral Home in Marietta is in charge of the arrangements.

    CDR Blanks, 88, of Marietta, died Monday, July 12, 2010. CDR Blanks was born in Meridian, Miss. and had lived in Marietta since 1959.  He attended Meridian High School, Mississippi State University and Flight School in Pensacola, Fla. He retired as Commander in the U. S. Navy. CDR Blanks was a World War II veteran, a Naval Aviator and retired from NAS Atlanta. He had a distinguished Navy career which included the following – Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Naval Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Reserve and National Defense Medal. CDR Blanks was a Master Gardener and worked on the Jet Star Program with Lockheed. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed sharing his life stories.

    Survivors include his daughter, Audrey Blanks Casey of Marietta; granddaughter and her husband, Gigi Waldroop Schulte and Joe Schulte; grandson, Michael; sister, Elizabeth Mokes of Columbus, Miss.; niece, Debby Hickey of Columbus, Miss.; great-nephew, Travis Strait; and great-great-niece, Alyssa Strait.

    He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Owen Blanks; and his parents, Herman and Mary Elizabeth Blanks.

    Visitation will be Friday, one hour prior to services at the Kennesaw Memorial Park Mausoleum.