Frankie Joe Blanchfield, 81 of Taylorville, passed away at 12:56 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  He was born on April 16, 1943, in Springfield.  Frankie graduated from Taylorville High School in 1961 and served 8 years in the Illinois National Guard.  He retired from the Christian County Highway Department where he worked for many years.  High School sports were a very important part of Frankie’s life, and he will be remembered as an avid fan of the Taylorville Tornadoes.  In 1995 he was inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame and in 2022 he received the first Tommy Award for Tornado Fan of the Year. Frankie worked as public address announcer at Taylorville High School for both boys’ and girls’ basketball for more than 20 years.  In addition, he kept the score book, ran the clock, and even sang the National Anthem, not only at Taylorville, but in surrounding school districts as well. He volunteered as a Little League coach for many years and officiated high school athletics.  He attended countless high school sporting events, but basketball was always his favorite.  He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served in many areas including being an usher and singing in the choir.  He gave back to his community in many ways including serving on the Taylorville Sanitary District board and as an election volunteer for many years.

He is survived by his niece, Brenda Ceniceros of Fontana, California and many dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Edna Blanchfield; brother: Art Blanchfield; and sister: Mary Windell.

Frankie will be cremated, and a memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Alan Hunter and Fr. Dan Willenborg officiating.  The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the church.  Memorial donations may be made to a scholarship fund in Frankie’s memory.  The family wishes to thank Hickory Estates and Taylorville Skilled Nursing for their care of Frankie.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.