Government » Enid Walk of Fame » 2021-2030
Many people have made life-long contributions to Enid and Northwest Oklahoma. One who stands out is Dr. Jerry Blankenship. Like many of us, he did not grow up in Enid. He chose Enid.
Dr. Blankenship was born and raised in Frederick, Oklahoma. He developed his leadership skills in school where he learned the basic skill of teamwork through sports (football, basketball & golf) and Boys’ State. He graduated from Frederick High School in 1955. He attended the University of Oklahoma with a golf scholarship, but early on he knew he wanted to become a doctor, and his studies took precedence. In 1958 he married Carolynne Morey, also of Frederick, and over 56 years of marriage they would have 3 sons and nine grandchildren.
In 1962 he graduated from the University of Oklahoma's Medical School with honors and was recognized as the student with the most ideal doctor-patient relationship. By 1967 he had completed his residency in urology at O.U. and began his own practice in Enid.
During his medical career he served with distinction on the staff of both Integris Bass Baptist Hospital and St. Mary's Mercy Hospital. He also served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at both hospitals. He was the state president of the Oklahoma Urological Association in 1983 and 1984. In 1992 he was awarded one of the highest recognitions given to a doctor: the Wyeth Ayerst Laboratories Physician Award for Community Service. Dr. Blankenship retired from his professional life as a doctor in 2000. To this day, patients and family members of patients say he always made them feel like he had ample time to spend with them. Maybe that partially explains why he was often late to join his regular golf foursome or fivesome at Oakwood County Club.
Dr. Blankenship's commitment and service to the Enid community is very impressive. Highlights include serving as the chairman of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce in 1988. He was a member of the Phillips University Board of Trustees for 14 years and was an integral part of the Enid - Phillips Campaign and the subsequent sales tax campaign in 1987. He was a member of the Enid Development Coalition. Many don't know he also served our country in the National Guard.
His contributions of time, energy and resources to a variety of civic organizations and projects has earned him the respect and admiration of civic and business leaders in Enid. Dr. Blankenship is an elder at Central Christian
Church and has served on the United Way of Enid & Northwest Oklahoma board of directors for many years. He has been a board member of the Enid Public School Foundation, the Enid Higher Education Council and was instrumental in the fundraising and development of the Cherokee Strip
Regional Heritage Center. He is a past president of the Enid High School Tip-In Club and is a long-standing member of the Enid Rotary Club.
Dr. Jerry Blankenship’s exemplary service has helped better our community and provide opportunities for others. He is most worthy of the Enid Walk of Fame recognition.
