Leon William Blank of Lenoir City passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 7 in the company of Rose, his wife of 67 years, and their children, Denise, Monique, and Thomas.
Mr. Blank was born on March 8, 1932, in Cincinnati to Estelle (Leon) and William E. Blank. He was known as “Buddy” to his older sisters, Mary Jane and Ruth, and to his younger brother, Noel.
Mr. Blank spent his childhood in Buffalo, N.Y., and Toledo, Ohio, where he developed his sense of humor and passion for both golf and problem-solving.
He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed largely in France, and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant. He earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1957.
Mr. Blank was an “engineer’s engineer,” and his first patented work occurred as a graduate student on a project for Ford Motor Co. He went on to work in heavy manufacturing, defense, aerospace, and printing. He rose to the position of vice president of engineering and research for Miller Electric before later serving as a consultant. One of his most memorable professional achievements was his role in the design, testing, and proof of the servo actuator that steered the second stage engine of the Saturn 5 launch vehicle, used most notably in the Apollo space program.
Mr. Blank first met Rose Bernath, a registered nurse, through mutual friends in Toledo. While military service, work, and educational pursuits delayed their courtship for several years, they eventually reunited and married in 1959. Their relationship deepened over seven decades, based on their shared Catholic faith and an active lifestyle that included golf, tennis, gardening, home improvement, and raising three children along with four Schnauzers.
Later, he loved to spend time with his granddaughters, Sophie and Ava. He was involved with his community; was active in Toastmasters; taught Catholic religious education as well as engineering courses; raised funds for and organized youth sports; served on various Notre Dame alumni clubs; and fundraised for and donated to various charities. In retirement, he began writing, completing three novels, and continued to play tennis into his 80s.
Thoughtfulness, humor, determination, and patience marked Mr. Blank’s life. These qualities endured, even in the late stages of Parkinson’s disease, as he would remind his wife “you’re beautiful.”
A funeral Mass for Mr. Blank was celebrated on Sept. 21 at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. Donations in Mr. Blank’s memory may be made to the St. John Neumann chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Checks to St. Vincent de Paul Society should be sent to St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 633 St. John Court, Farragut, TN 37934.