David. A. Blankenship 1959-2009

David Ausby Blankenship, of Dixon, was born on August 7, 1959, in Miller County, a son of Michael Ausby and Loris Lorene (Howser) Blankenship, and departed this life at 8:16 p.m., Monday evening, May 11, 2009, at his residence in Dixon. David had attained the age of 49 years, 9 months and 4 days.

David was united in marriage to Judy Ferguson who preceded him in death. In addition to his wife, his parents and one sister, Wilma Robinson, preceded him in death. He had worked for Waste Management in Osage Beach.

Those left to mourn the passing of David include: one daughter, Ashley Mae Patswald, Camden County; three step-sons, Scott Cross, Jamie Cross and Travis Cross, all of Iberia; one sister and brother-in-law, Gladys and Earl Hargett, Richland; two nephews, William James Robinson and Daniel Aaron Hargett; one niece, Loretta Graham; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was conducted for David at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2009, in the Long-Gilbert Funeral Home, Dixon, with Pastor Gary Day, Hancock Christian Church, officiating. “Amazing Grace” and “I’ve Got A Mansion” were played for the funeral service.

Inurnment was in the Union Cemetery, Iberia, under the direction of the Long-Gilbert Funeral Home, Dixon.

From the Waynesville Daily Guide September 9, 2009:
A Dixon man facing second-degree murder charges in the May beating death of a 49-year-old man is scheduled to to appear for an arraignment hearing at 9 a.m. today before Circuit Judge Mary Sheffield in the Pulaski County Courthouse.
Robert Fortner, 27, and his girlfriend, Ashley Gilbert, 17, are both charged with second-degree murder, a Class A felony, for the beating death of David Blankenship at his Dixon residence, 109 N. Ellen St., in May.
Both Fortner and Gilbert admitted to investigators they beat Blankenship with their hands and feet. Court records indicate “a preliminary investigation determined that Blankenship’s death was a homicide as a result to blunt force trauma to both his head and neck.”
Gilbert has pleaded not guilty to the crime by reason of mental disease or defect, according to court documents, and was ordered to complete a mental examination. Both individuals have been held in the Pulaski County Jail since their arrest in May.
Fortner is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond, while Gilbert is being held on $100,000 cash or surety bond after Circuit Judge Tracy Storie reduced her bond from $1 million cash-only at the request of her attorney.
If convicted, Fortner and Gilbert face 10 to 30 years or life in prison.