Bi-State Southern Oil Founder Passes Away

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Bob Blank, founder of Bi-State Southern Oil Co., has passed away at age 74, reported KZIM-AM News Radio. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gaye, their son and daughter, and his brother and sister.

Blank founded the company in the early 1970s and ran it for the next four decades with help from his wife and later his son Scott. He was also active in the Cape, Mo., community, and served on school boards, the city planning and zoning commission and the Capaha Field Improvement Committee, according to the report. He also participated in Boy Scouting and tree farming.

Bi-State operates two Southern Convenience Stores in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Both stores offer fresh food, gasoline, Houch's Donuts and more.