Keith Orlando Blanks

Keith Orlando Blanks, 66, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Ignite Medical Resort in Kansas City, Kansas. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64138. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

Keith Orlando Blanks was born on August 20, 1957, to James and Olivia Blanks in Kansas City, Kansas. The fifth of seven children, Keith was a more than welcomed addition to their already large family. To his siblings, James, Kenneth, Terry, Janice, Cornell, and Teresa, he was just “Keithie” and the unconditional love they shared was evident to all who knew them. 

In 1966 the family made the move to Kansas City, Missouri where Keith attended Paseo High School. As he grew up, Keith developed a love of science, art, and collecting things. From bugs in jars and garden snakes in the house, his siblings were never surprised to discover one of his “experiments.” As one could expect with a house with 5 boys, they were prone to rough housing. There’s a particular story that involves Keith, his brother Cornell, some choice words, karate, and a pair of nun-chucks! But just like with most siblings, some stories belong to them and only them. 

Keith was an employee of the Kansas City Water Department, Bendix Corporation, and worked in skilled trade construction with his father. 

With his laid-back charisma, being around Keith was easy. He operated in life with a genuine kindness which was felt by all. His friendship was true and heartfelt. 

Never one to sit down and eat a full plate of food, Keith would often proclaim “I’m just a nibbler!” And if the occasion called for a bit of dressing up, you could be sure to see his signature white shoes. From now to forever his family will cherish these memories.

Affectionately called “Uncle Keithie” by his nieces and nephews, he was a present and supportive uncle who made it a point to show up! From birthdays, weddings, graduations, babies, and more Keith was there for his family. Often, they reflect on the magical days as children when he took them to the farm in the country to ride horses, race bikes, and just be free. 

Keith, as we all do, faced challenges in life. Often, he was a support to those who shared his same struggle. Today, we choose to remember him not for his struggles but for his perseverance, resilience, and beautiful spirit.

Often seen with his sketchbook and pen in his hand, perhaps one of his most beautiful talents was his art. He was a gifted artist who could do the smallest sketch to the most detailed portrait. In so much of his artwork you saw not only his raw talent but his beautiful heart. 

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, James and Olivia Blanks, his brother, Kenneth Blanks (Angela), his sister, Janice Blanks, and his nephew, Auston Blanks. He leaves to cherish his memory, his brothers, James Blanks (Mary), Terry Blanks, Cornell Blanks (Yolanda), and his sister Teresa Cosby (Paul); a host of nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, “Southie Blanks.”