Donald Ray Blanton

BLANTON, Donald Ray, 84, of Springfield, OH, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. He was born in Ashland, KY on April 4, 1936 to the late Charles Hobart and Josephine (Wheeler) Blanton. He is preceded in death by his wonderful wife of over 63 years, Joy (Parker) Blanton, his son, Charles Blanton, brothers; Kenneth H. Blanton, D.H. “Cub” Blanton, and Dannie H. Blanton. He is survived by his son, Richard R. (Sharon) Blanton from Pinehurst, TX, and a daughter, Kathy R. Runyan, South Vienna, OH, grandchildren; Donald (Tara) Blanton, Samantha Blanton, Nicholas (Candice Forsythe) Runyan, Devan (Ben) West, Elizabeth Barber, and Kimberly (Chris) Briggs, great-grandchildren; Reed, Lennon Grey, Viktor, Connor, Hannah, Kyleigh, Caleb, Gabriel, Sydney, Cayla, Kane, Colbie, and Cooper, and a sister, Linda Conley of North Lewisburg, OH, as well as several nieces, nephews, and their children. Donald retired from Navistar in 1988 in Springfield, OH and belonged to the Local UAW 402. He was an avid NASCAR fan, hunting, fishing, and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family, many friends, and neighbors. There will be no public services per request of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of your choice in Donald’s honor. Arrangements in the care of Jackson Lytle and Lewis Life Celebration Center. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.