Jacob “Jack” Blanton, 104

Published 3:44 pm Thursday, July 25, 2024

Jacob “Jack” Blanton, 104, of London, KY, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Sayre Christian Village. He was born on March 25, 1920, in New York City to the late Silas and Selma Blanton, but was raised in Harlan County, KY before moving to London 44 years ago.

Jack was married to his beloved Mary Belle Blanton for 58 years until she passed away at the age of 79. Jack was a graduate of Lynch High School and served in the Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1946. He served as crew chief on an A-20 Fighter/Bomber and attained the rank of Tech Sargent in a training squadron training aircraft mechanics, and in India and China during WWII. After the war he worked for US Steel in the coal mines at Lynch, KY, until his retirement as a section foreman in 1979.

Jack was a member of the Benham Masonic Lodge. He was a winning Little League baseball coach who coached an All-Star team, and was a Cub Scout leader at the Lynch Methodist Church for several years. He also actively supported his children in their activities.

Jack and Mary were Born Again Christians and were active at the Liberty Baptist Church in London. Thanks be to God for the life of Jacob Blanton. In addition to his parents, Silas and Selma Blanton, and his wife Mary Belle Blanton, he was preceded in death by his brothers George Blanton, Silas Blanton Jr., Wesley Blanton, and his sisters Mildred (Butch) Ducket, Margaret (Eddie) Hatley, and Clara Blanton.

Left to cherish the many wonderful memories of his long life are his children, Jack Douglas (Regina) Blanton, Cheryl Yvonne (Phil) Feigel, Janice Rhea (Sherren) Fairchild, Hershel Elliott (Judy) Blanton, Rex Wayne (Jennifer) Blanton, and nieces & nephews as well as 9 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life was held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in the chapel of House Rawlings Funeral Home, 510 E 4th Street, London, KY 40741. Visitation was from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm with the funeral beginning at 2:00 pm.

Pall Bearers are John Blanton, Seth Blanton, Kevin Fairchild, Phil Feigel, John Bischke, and Aaron Cloer. Internment at Cumberland Memorial Gardens in London, KY. Memorial donations may be made addressed to Liberty Baptist Church, 61 Jordan Avenue London, KY 40744. The family has entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Jacob “Jack” Blanton 1920-2024