Erwin Blanton

Erwin Blanton, Jr., 97, of Smithville, MO passed away on June 1, 2026. He was born on January 13, 1929, to Erwin Blanton, Sr., and Myrtle (Spradlin) Blanton in Johnson County, Oil Springs, KY, where he grew up and attended school. In 1948, he graduated from Wheelersburg High School in Wheelersburg, OH. In 1950, Erwin joined the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in 1953, he returned to Wheelersburg.

On April 17, 1955, he was united in marriage to Carolyn June Davis. After their marriage they followed Erwin’s job with Massman Construction Company living in the Wheelersburg/Portsmouth, Ohio area, Jasper, TX, Pine Bluff, AR and in 1971, they moved to the Kansas City/Platte Woods area. They then moved to Chattanooga, TN and in 1979, they returned to Smithville, MO where they made their home. Carolyn passed away on July 26, 1990. Erwin married Marlene Fay Johnson on August 15, 1992. They made their home in Smithville, MO.

Erwin worked for Massman Construction Company in Kansas City, MO, where he was a part of building many dams and bridges throughout the United States, retiring in 1996.

He was an active member of the Mt. Olivet Christian Church where he served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer, Vacation Bible School or in any way he was needed. When the grandkids would visit you would always find him outside playing and spending time with them. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing his guitar, and most of all he loved being with his family. The “energizer bunny” as he was known for, will be dearly missed.

Erwin was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Blanton; his daughter Melinda Sue Blanton; his son Joe Erwin Blanton; his parents Erwin and Myrtle Blanton; brother Robert Blanton; and sister Alene Wright Neubecker.

He is survived by his wife Marlene Blanton; children Sharon Gay (Matthias) Stueven, Beverly Ann (Dannie) Summers, and John David (Mary) Blanton; grandchildren Billy (Thea) Stueven, Andy Stueven, Laura Stueven, Wesley (Hannah) Blanton, and Nathaniel Blanton; great-grandchildren Tyler, Dylan, Hannah, Jack, Madilynn, Eli, Ibby, Avery, and Owen; sister Joy Blanton Cremeans; sister-in-law Barbara Blanton; other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, June 5th at Mt. Olivet Christian Church, Smithville, MO.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6th at Mt. Olivet Christian Church, Smithville, MO.
Burial with Military Honors: Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Smithville, MO.
Donations may be made to City Union Mission or Mt. Olivet Cemetery.