John F. “J.B.” Blanton entered this life on March 30, 1933 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born to Eva Morris and Otis Blanton, and was the second of four sons born to this union. He passed away at Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs on September 6, 2013.
J.B. spent his childhood and high school years on the West Side of Colorado Springs where he spent many wonderful days growing up with his brothers and other extended family members.
J.B. joined the U.S. Navy in March, 1951 and served his country until March, 1954, serving in the West Pacific. Upon his discharge from the U.S. Navy, J. B. attended Berkeley University for a short time before returning to Colorado Springs.
Upon his return home, J.B. worked as an auditor for the railroad, and then began his career at Transit Mix Concrete Company where he first worked in the Accounting Department and then as Sales Manager. J.B. was very active in the construction community, Home Builders Association, The Spike Club and El Paso County Contractors and loved being involved with the production of the Golf Tournaments each year. He also served on the American Cancer Society, was a member of Shriners International and donated many hours of community service through other organizations. J.B. finally retired in March, 1995 after spending 40 years at Transit Mix. He then had many days enjoying his family, numerous rounds of golf, and trips to Mexico.
J.B. is survived by his wife, Melissa; daughter, Pam (Mike) Litwin of Hopkins, South Carolina; daughter, Tammy (Steve) Miller of Sacramento, California; and a son, Timothy (Doreen) who is currently working in Mongolia. He is also survived by five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his brother, Harry (Pearl) of Sacramento, California. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and sister and brothers-in law. J.B. was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Dan and Clifford.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 325 Putnam Drive, Widefield, Colorado 80911. Burial will follow immediately at Memorial Gardens Cemetery at the corner of Airport and Academy Boulevard. A light lunch will then follow at Valley Hi Golf Restaurant, 610 South Chelton Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pikes Peak Hospice or the charity of the giver’s choice.