From the Star Beacon:
ASHTABULA — Dean Blanton, age 63, of Roaming Shores, Ohio, passed away Monday, July 12, 2010, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center Hospice Unit.
He was born May 18, 1947, in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Earl and Marvine Blanton. He was a 1966 graduate of Sunbury Big Walnut High School.
After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a Viet Nam Veteran. Dean served during the Tet Offensive and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and letter V device, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal and Bronze Star Attachment, Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Ribbon with V device and expert Badge and Rifle Bar.
Dean was employed by the Albert M. Higley Construction Company as a Superintendent. He retired in 2006, after 35 years in the construction field.
He was an avid sportsman that enjoyed bass and fly fishing, golfing and hunting. He had fished the Ohio Bass Tournament Circuit and Bass Tournament Circuit during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Dean was a member of The Conneaut Fish and Game Club, VFW Post #943, Ducks Unlimited and Vice-Chairman of the Roaming Shores Lake Management Committee.
He is survived by his wife, Ann (Locke) Blanton of Roaming Shores; a daughter, Jill (Jim Ratermann) Blanton of Ashtabula; a son-in-law, John Hakkarainen; and grandchildren, Kyle and Jennifer Hakkarainen and Jordan Wallace, all of Ashtabula; and a sister, Jean Compton of Columbus, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Natalie Ann Blanton; and his parents.
In keeping with Dean’s wishes, there will be a “Celebration of Life” from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, July 23rd, at Roaming Shores Clubhouse, 13 Roaming Rock Boulevard, Roaming Shores, Ohio.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. The Ashtabula Home of FLEMING & BILLMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 526 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio, is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary and condolences at fleming-billman.com and starbeacon.com.