Houston Odell Blanks
Houston Odell Blanks, 95, of Spring, Texas passed away Friday, June 12, 2020 at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Spring Texas.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Wesley United Methodist Church with Dr. Guy Crawford officiating. Interment will follow at the Andrews West Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 from 5-8 PM at McNett Funeral Home in Andrews. Please visit www. mcnettfuneralhome.com for obituary information, visitation and service details, photos and a video.
Houston was born on December 23, 1924 to Thelma Bybee and Alexander Houston Blanks in Bonham, Texas. He had 3 half-brothers, Walter, Grady and Troy and 1 half-sister, Nan, from his dad’s first marriage. He was the fourth child in the next marriage to Thelma. Ahead of him was Arthur (Art), Birdie Irene, Albert, and after Houston was Agnes Muriel. Thelma married again and had Orville and Clare June Baxter. Houston had a rough life, his father died in 1935 and his mother was unable to support the family. So, he, along with his siblings, had to find what work they could. Before that, the family worked for farmers part of the year and commercial fished the rest of the year. Houston went to work for farmers doing chores for his room and board. When he was older, he worked for a construction company building roads until he was drafted into the Navy. He served over three years on an aircraft carrier. When he was released, he was able to go to work for Exxon (Humble) at the time. He was first a roustabout then went on to drilling rigs. In the beginning, he lived in South Texas around Kingsville. He was later transferred to West Texas and moved about every year. He was married then and had two sons, Bruce and Leonard and inherited a daughter, Linda. They lived all over West Texas and New Mexico. He and Arlene divorced. He was finally transferred to Andrews. He was a mechanic at that time. He and Wilma met up and dated for four years before marrying. They got married in Andrews Wesley United Methodist Church. He retired from Exxon after 37 years! Houston and Wilma celebrated 43 years together. Houston (or H. O.) was very industrious. He joined with a friend, Paul Sharp, and ran a used pipe and supply business for several years until Exxon said, “no no”. He loved gardening and always raised enough the for the community. He loved to dance, and he and Wilma danced many a mile. Houston loved fishing, and Wilma would fish with him. Having fish fries was another thing that he loved. He was as a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and served as a trustee. He joined the Andrews Mesquite Burners and served there for years. He was as a Life member of the VFW, The Loyal Order of Moose, The Eagles Lodge, and he always worked in each of these lodges. He enjoyed when everyone was having a good time, so he loved to tease people. He is preceded in death by his 3 halfbrothers Walter Blanks, Troy Blanks and Grady Blanks, half-sister Nan Mason, 2 brothers, Arthur and Albert, and 1 sister Birdie Irene Green.
H.O. is survived by his loving wife, Wilma Blanks, 2 Sons, Bruce Blanks and wife Claire of Gilmer, Texas, Leonard Blanks of Brownwood, Texas, 1 daughter, Linda Wimberley, of Andrews, Texas, 3 stepsons, Steve Leavelle and wife Anita of New Caney, Texas, John Leavelle and wife Diane of LaVerna, Texas, Greg Leavelle and wife Carla of Spring, Texas, 2 Sisters, Agnes Muriel Woody of Lake Patestine and June Jones of Arkansas, 1 brother, Bo Baxter of Oregon, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, lots of nieces and nephews and many friends.
