Palestine High School Alumni Association

10 / 27 / 1929  –    07 / 11 / 2010

Marion Philip Blanton of Palestine passed away Sunday evening, July 11, 2010, at Palestine Regional Medical Center from a short illness. He was 80 years old. He was born October 27, 1929, to L.M. and Odessa Blanton in Palestine.

Mr. Blanton is survived by his wife Elizabeth Blanton of 57 years; two sons, Philip G. Blanton and wife Elizabeth and Geary D. Blanton, all of Palestine; and a daughter, Deborah G. Negethon and husband Rick of Lake Jackson. He had 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his two daughters, Ramona J. Blanton Perryman and Rhonda L. Blanton Johnson; grandson, Derric M. Huffman; and his parents.

Mr. Blanton was a Union Pacific Railroad retiree of 43 years of service. He also was a Korean War veteran. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Family night will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home. Condolence calls will be accepted at 903/723-2133.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at Chapel of the Air at Land of Memory Cemetery with the Rev. Rick Dees officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons and lifelong friend, James Congleton.

Palestine Herald Press 07 / 12 / 2010