In Memory of Prentice Wayne Blanscett

The clay vessel of Prentice Wayne Blanscett became unnecessary on April 1, 2025. Prentice lived almost 88 years of faith, love and fun. He began as the 14th child, 7th son, of a cotton farmer/railroad worker. He was a wild child, and one of the best dancers in Midland, Texas winning many a jitter-bug dance contest. He graduated from Midland High School and completed multiple real estate and business courses.

Prentice is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of more than 66 years, Sally. They shared their lives together the way soul mates are supposed to, with a lot of fights but a lot more making up. Prentice and Sally moved from Midland to Alamogordo, New Mexico, in 1977, when Prentice’s boss told him to start another Taco Villa franchise in New Mexico. Sally, as a youth, attended Carey’s Camp outside Cloudcroft and was delighted to return to the mountain paradise. They have called the Cloudcroft area their home ever since and it was the best decision they ever made. Here they acquired great friends and saw their children grow up and start families of their own in the small, supportive community.

After their venture in Taco Villa, Prentice and Sally opened Suzy’s Pleasure Palace on Burro Street in downtown Cloudcroft. It hailed as the local kid hangout in its heyday. Prentice also sold real estate in Cloudcroft, and re-started Cloudcroft’s chapter of the Kiwanis service club. Prentice loved children of all ages. Through his service with the Cloudcroft Kiwanis, he was able to further connect and serve area youth as the club raised funds for scholarships and worked with high school students in various extracurricular activities, including garden clubs and hosting a fundraising booth at Cloudcroft’s seasonal art fairs in the park.

Prentice was a man of unshakable faith. Even in his last days, he called for all to repent and start anew with a relationship with the Lord. He praised our Lord and Savior Jesus, Yeshua, until the moment of his final rest.

Other survivors include his sister, Patsy Curry; daughter, Mandi Smaga (Bruce); sons, Guy (Deb) and Ben (Vanessa). He has 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Prentice will be laid to rest at James Canyon Cemetery after a private burial service.

The Blanscett family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.