Washington State Cougars 1963 yearbook

Morris Ray Blankenbaker is the son of Olive Ruth Blankenbaker (1910-2005) and Ned Leo Blankenbaker (1907-1985). He was born on December 16th, 1942 in Yakima, Washington, USA. He graduated from Davis High School in 1961, was voted "Best Athlete of the Year", and awarded a four-year scholarship to Washington State University where he played halfback for their football team. After college he married Dee Ann Hammerstad on August 23, 1965 in Yakima, Washington. Morris received multiple offers to go pro in football after college, but instead he decided to accept a position as a teacher/coach at Wapato Intermediate School, not far from his hometown of Yakima. Morris and Dee Ann had two children together, and looked like they had a perfect marriage. The two were married for almost ten years, but ultimately divorced on June 27, 1974. Christmas Day 1975, Blankenbaker was murdered and found dead by his ex wife on his front lawn and was reportedly shot as he came home from a Yakima tavern where he worked part-time. His murder and another, Gabby Moore, were linked, as both victims were physical education teachers, graduates of Davis High School, and had their ex wife Dee Ann in common. Apparently Dee Ann and Blankenbaker had reconciled shortly before his death, police said. Read more here: Yakima Slayings Linked and Davis wrestling coach Moore shot to death . The true story of Morris's death was later found out to be planned by other victim, Gabby Moore and another man, circling around Moore never getting over their mutual ex wife, Dee Ann. See Murderer Found Guilty and Sentenced to Life in Prison.