A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF CHARLTON HARDIN BLANKS OF CHESTER AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlton Hardin Blanks of Chester at the venerable age of eighty-eight on April 17, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born February 3, 1938, Charlton was known as a teen for riding his motorcycle about Chester with his twin brother as "one of those Blanks boys." Charlton worked diligently as a young man to achieve his goals. In preparation for his career, this 1956 graduate of Chester High School earned his bachelor's degree at the University of South Carolina (USC) in 1961, followed by a master's degree from the University of Utah in 1977. His hard work paid off; and

 

Whereas, Charlton got his first taste of military life when he joined the ROTC battalion at Clemson University, which at that time was still an agricultural and mechanical college. He was a member of the Pershing Rifles Honorary Military Society while at Clemson. He later transferred to USC before graduating in 1961 and joining the Marines; and

 

Whereas, the young Charton started out as a PFC in the U.S. Marine Corps until he graduated from Officer Candidate School. He attended USMC Officer Candidate School at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. After graduating, he was assigned to Camp Pendleton as an infantry officer with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, where he went through "Lock On" jungle training. He further attended Intelligence Officer School at Fort Holabird in Maryland, with his Military Occupational Specialty being intelligence. After intelligence training, his unit was sent to Vietnam. After a brief stop in Okinawa, the unit was sent in-country to Vietnam. He practiced his infantry officer skills and intelligence training from the De-Militarized Zone in the northern part of Vietnam and came under fire at Khe Sanh Combat Base. It was while stationed there that the new Marine learned an appreciation for the U.S. Air Force. He made numerous trips into the jungle, setting up places to broadcast with his radio unit, often having to hack his way through the brush; and

 

Whereas, Charlton completed his first tour in Vietnam as an advisor, went home, and came back for his second tour in 1968. He returned to Vietnam just in time for the Tet Offensive. After that tour, he was attached to the Pentagon, working in intelligence. During his third tour of duty, he was involved in the evacuation of the villages near Saigon when the capital fell in 1975 at the end of the war; and

 

Whereas, after his military service, for which he received numerous medals and honors, Charlton Blanks continued to serve others by teaching physical science at Chester High School. He served and developed many of Chester's finest citizens during his time as an educator. Even after retiring from both the military and teaching, Charlton's work and giving to Chester were not completed. He was a member of First Baptist Church and served as deacon, assistant treasurer, Bible teacher and Sunday school teacher, and Senior Club member. Other memberships and leadership roles included Commander of VFW Post 5930, Commander of American Legion Post 27, and Senior Vice Commandant of USMC League Detachment 1161. He also was part of the South Carolina Senior Olympics and Civitan Club, and, perhaps most notably, he was the longtime planner and master of ceremonies for the Chester County Veterans Day Service and Memorial Day Observance; and

 

Whereas, predeceased by his lovely wife, Angie Johnson Blanks, Charton leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Mary Beth Blanks Grumblus (Dave); his son, William Joseph Blanks (Lindy); his granddaughter, Ariel Melinda Blanks; and a host of friends, whom he loved dearly. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Charlton Hardin Blanks of Chester and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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