Jeffrey Louis Blankenbaker, 57, of Lake Charles, passed away of natural causes following a brief illness Friday Aug. 5, 2022 in his residence.
Jeffrey was born on Nov. 20, 1964 in New Orleans, La. His loving parents are Louis Gilbert Blankenbaker and Mary Belle Fletcher Blankenbaker of Houston, Texas. Following graduation from Acadiana High School in Lafayette, La., he began studies and then worked for a swimming pool company until he found his career choice in the field of Computer Technology. Jeff obtained his Certificate of Completion from Total Technical Institute in Atlanta, Ga. With his move back to Louisiana and Lake Charles, he founded Bravo Computers & Networks where he utilized his skills as an expert in the field and grew a large client base throughout the Southwest Louisiana. Of his success, Jeff most cherished the many friendships he made along the way. During his downtime he enjoyed chilling at home for a good movie with his French Bulldogs. He loved sharing his friendship- and good food- with others and his signature gifts of food were Banana Blueberry Cream Pie, muffins, cupcakes and his homemade spinach dip. He was an avid news follower and loved discussing current events and politics with his family. His passion was speed driven! It began with a lawn mower in early childhood, cars, trucks and boats as young adult; and then his latest love, his Venture Fountain power boat, “Buddha.” He looked forward to boating with his numerous friends, Poker runs and the Texas Outlaw Weekend. He will be remembered for his “catch phrase for answering his phone:” “This is Jeff, How May I Help You” as he truly meant it and it epitomized his generous spirit. He loved being able to lend a hand to anyone who needed it and was a loyal friend who always found great joy in helping others. His warm smile and kind spirit will be greatly missed by many.
He leaves to honor his memory, his parents; one sister, Karen Beth Blankenbaker Peck and husband Douglas Gordon Peck of Houston, Texas; one brother, Timothy James Blankenbaker and wife Rebecca Bonet Blankenbaker of Natchitoches, La.; nieces, Caroline Helen Peck of Santa Monica, Calif. and Elizabeth “Ellie” Blankenbaker of Natchitoches, La.; nephew, Daniel Charles Peck of Dallas, Texas; aunts and uncle Geraldine Fletcher Smith and husband Warren of Duncanville, Texas and Abbie Terry Fletcher of Houston, Texas; and numerous wonderful cousins, good friends and his Frenchie, Reese.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gilbert Blankenbaker and Helen West Blankenbaker and Lewis Fletcher and Louise Hammett Fletcher, all of DeRidder, La.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 13, 2022, in the Worship Center of First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles, La. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, La. and will resume Saturday at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Weldon Bares will officiate.
Graveside services Saturday will be at 3 p.m. at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder.
Memorial donations for Jeff will be in honor of his mother, Mary and may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.
Words of comfort to his family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net .