Russell E. Blanton, 78, of Quenemo, died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at Village Manor Nursing Home in Ottawa. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa.

He was born Monday, April 13, 1931, in Wathena to Leslie and Irene (Smith) Blanton.

He grew up in St. Joseph, Mo. In 1948, he moved to Hiawatha; Kansas City, Mo., in 1951; Tonganoxie in 1953; Basehor in 1958; McLouth in 1968; and Quenemo in 1987.

He graduated from high school in Reserve with the class of 1949.

He was employed as an assemblyman with General Motors for 30 years, retiring in 1982.

He was a member of United Auto Workers Local No. 41 and Kiwanis Club of McLouth, serving as president.

He married Shirley Gibson May 26, 1951, in Hiawatha. She survives of the home.

Survivors also include daughters, Rebecca Rogers of Noel, Mo., Cheryl Mullin of Quenemo, Terry McPherson of Quenemo and Tammi Robinson of Quenemo; a son, Rick Blanton of Winchester; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Bob Blanton; and sisters, Betty Welter, Helen Foster and Lucille Craig.

 Cremation is planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to Russell Blanton Memorial Fund, in care of Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa KS 66067.  

Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net and  made at www.ottawaherald.com

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