Wesley "Randy" Blanton

Wesley “Randy” Blanton, age 58 of rural Williamsport died unexpectedly at his home at 4:57 P.M. Sunday, September 14, 2008. Randy was born in South Bend, IN on September 5, 1950. He was the son of Jim and Delta Blanton and Jean and the late Red Gadie. He attended Coldwater High School in Michigan. He previously lived in Cold Water, MI and had been a resident of Warren County since 1981. On June 19, 1983 he married Joanna Lynn Brutus in Pine Village, IN. She survives. Randy’s passion was driving a semi, which he did for 33 years logging over 3 ½ million miles. At the age of 17 he entered the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam Era receiving a purple heart and many honors. He was a life member of the VFW Post #3318, Attica and a member of the American Legion and the ABATE of Indiana. He loved to hunt and ride his motorcycle. Most of all he loved being a husband, dad and grandpa. He was a jokester and had many friends and once you knew him you never forgot him. He loved being on the water and grew up on the lake. Surviving with his wife, Jo Lynn, are 5 children, Roxanne Maze (husband: Kenny) of Monrovia, IN; Ron Blanton of Indianapolis, IN; Carie Lantz (husband: Allan) of Morgantown, KY; Katie Foust (husband: Kris) of West Lebanon, IN; and Tadd Blanton, at home; Scott Waltz, Sonya Janssen, and Brad Janssen, whom he treasured as his own children; parents, Jim and Delta Blanton of Coldwater, MI and Jean Gadie of South Bend, IN; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Elizabeth Brutus of Pine Village, IN; brothers and sisters, Carol Montgomery and Ellyn Blanton of Cold Water, MI; Jim Blanton, Jr. of Arizona; Charlie Blanton of Florida; and Susie Smothers of South Bend, IN; and 7 grandchildren, Blayne Dunham, Emali Dunham, Dakota Merrick, Zoey Foust, Chloe Weatherford, Jarrett Janssen, and Victoria Janssen. He is survived by his extended family of nieces and nephews, and several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. Randy will be sadly missed but has left treasured memories for all of his family. Randy was preceded in death by his daughter, Molly Blanton, and stepfather, Red Gadie. Visitation will be at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. EDT. Services will be on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at the Pine Village United Methodist Church at 1:00 P.M. EDT with Pastor Mike Link officiating. Interment will be at the Pine Village Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family.