Ted Blank

Ted Blank, of Independence, MO, was born on December 24, 1925 in Topeka, Kansas to Theodore and Thelma Blank. He died on January 13, 2012 at the John Knox Village Hospice House. When he was a teenager, Ted’s family moved to Independence, Missouri where he attended William Christian High School. At age seventeen, Ted enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. Ted served as a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress in the European Theatre during World War II. After the war, Ted attended the University of Missouri on the G.I. Bill, where he received a business degree. Upon graduation he returned to Independence and began a life long career in the construction business. Ted was involved in many successful land development projects in the Independence area. He also served for over 40 years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Sterling National Bank, in Sugar Creek, Missouri, and served for many years as Chairman of the Board at Sterling Bank. After the death of his first wife, Mona Allen, Ted married Mary (“Kate”) C. Blank in 1973. Ted and Kate were married for 38 wonderful years and enjoyed spending time with their families. Ted loved to travel, fish, pilot his airplane and play golf. He was an avid photographer and collector of vintage and classic cameras. Along with his beloved wife Kate, Ted leaves a sister MaryLee Chiles; a son Theodore (Tad) Blank; step-children Kathy Wheat and Robert Helling; grandchildren Theodore (Thad) Blank, Michelle Blank, Brittany Helling, Megan Scanlon, Ashley Blattner, Emily Perry; a great-grandchild Harper Perry; and nieces and nephew Patton Chiles, Perrin Riggs, Penny Chiles, Paula Chiles, Paige Chiles and David Chiles. Visitation for friends and family will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 North Pleasant Street, Independence, Missouri 64050 at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19. A memorial service will follow at the same location at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the John Knox Village Hospice House or First Presbyterian Church.