Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Michael David Blanton

Michael David Blanton, age 59, of Shelby, died Friday, April 18, 2014 surrounded by his family at his home.

Michael was born November 24, 1954 in Mt. Vernon, the son of the late Hade and Dorothy (Tackett) Blanton. He attended Crestview Schools. To sum up Michael’s life, there were two things of importance: family and music. Since he was a child, music has been a part of his life. He started singing at the age of 15 with his family, known then as the Gospel Crusaders and now as the Blanton Family. Since 1969 he has traveled the country playing in thousands of churches and festivals spreading the gospel message through his music ministry. Michael was proud to have mentored his nephew, Curtis Oyler, who looks up to Michael and considers him his hero. They loved to work together in the recording studio. Michael’s final prayer was that his family would draw closer and always take care of each other.   Michael fought the good fight, kept the faith, and now lives in his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Michael worked for Willard Home Improvement and prior to that has worked for 17 years at U Brand in Ashland. He was a member of Belmont Community Church in Mansfield.

On June 17, 2007 God took two broken pieces and put them together. On that day he married Lorie (Lee) Blanton and she survives. Together they have five children who also survive: Alisha (Stephen) Clay, Michael David Blanton, II (Shaina Fultz) both of Mansfield, Shawnee (Abraham) Wheatley, Bradley Caudill, Brianna Caudill all of Shelby; 7 grandchildren: Brianna (Jesus), T.J., Cyntara, Zachariah, Briella, Abigail, Serenity; 1 great granddaughter on the way: Míla; 8 siblings: Robert (Carolyn) Blanton, Thomas (Marian) Blanton, Harold (Judy) Blanton, Shirley Sutton all of Mansfield, Charles (Cheryl) Blanton of MO, Phyllis Blanton (Dale Miling) of Norwalk, Gary (Donna) Blanton, Sandra (Martin) Spurgeon both of Shelby; father-in-law: Robert (Maryann) Lee; mother-in-law: Margaret Pettry; 2 special friends: Canaan Stevens, Trevor Reese. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother: Audrey Blanton and a brother: Vernon Blanton.

Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Cornerstone Freewill Baptist Church, 1602 Walker Lake Road, Ontario, Ohio 44906 where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 AM with Pastor Gary Lambert officiating and Pastor Charles Pentecost assisting. Burial will follow in Franklin Church Cemetery.

Care for Michael and his family is being provided by Bob, Catherine, and Jake at the Turner Funeral Home in Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to the Turner Funeral Home to assist the family.

To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: penwellturner.com

Memories & Condolence

  1. Kimberly Hess Morrow says:

    Lorie I am so sorry for your loss may you find comfort in God and family I love u

  2. charleen wright says:

    sorry to hear of mike passing he will truly be miss heaven has gain a precious soul how time flies seems like yesterday u guys was doing the sound system for the festivels 15 years really goes fast prayers going up for all the family if u guys ever get to fl love to have u mike will always be your special angel looking down

  3. Renee Gayheart (Taylor) says:

    Alisha, I lost my Mommy when she was only 59 also, but be strong and know that he is in Heaven with the Master! I love you and I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  4. crystal (roberts) sheriff says:

    Im am so sadned to here of the loss we all have take of mike. In the same words i know and feel he is in a better place than we are, i grow up in my mamals and patpals church licening and singe along the his and his familys music when we hald a revival lov them day everyone was soo happy. Like the day david and i went to my high school prom we all my mom and dad mike and david stud on porch and said as mike prayer be for we left for a safe trip. I know jon, may and charlotte among others all wecomed him in them golden gates. Will be loved and missed by all who he has tuched in life and throw his music. Gone but never forgotn
    With all my lov and prayers to friends and family
    – Crystal

  5. Lindy Caudill says:

    I have known Mike since I was little. He hung around my older brother and picked on me and my sister and nothing changed when we got older. My mom used to have his albums and we used to listen to the Blanton family all the time. He will be greatly missed. Sorry for your loss.

  6. Rev. S. T. and Betty Adkins says:

    Our hearts are broken at the passing of Bro. Mike. We have been friends of the Blanton Family for ever. Remember them just as small children singing with their dad. Can you imagine the reunion that was had in Heaven on Good Friday of 2014. God is good and we do not understand his plans, but it is all in his hands. Our prayers go out to Lori, the children and all his siblings and extended family. Lean on our Father who holds it all in the palms of his hands. We love you Blanton Family.

  7. Marie Doan says:

    Dear sweet Lorie and family
    You are all in my prayers and thoughts!

  8. jeanette mosley says:

    Clarence, and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was such a great guy.may you find comfort in the love of god, family, and friends i’m sure mike is rejoicing up there around god’s throne.you all are in our thoughts, and prayers.Clarence,and Jeanette Mosley.

  9. Dolores Smail,Bond,Cains says:

    So sorry for your great loss,Mike was one of my favorite singers,we have known him from the time he was just a young boy, and loved him so much.what a sweet family, and just wanted to let you all know you are in my thoughts and prayers

  10. Sue Hill says:

    May The Lord be your comfort!
    Mike was an oasis at Ashland many years ago!

  11. Kim &Randall McClanahan says:

    There isn’t enough words to say how sorry I am for your loss.My heart breaks for all of your family.We may not understand God’s plans for us but we have to believe and have faith that it’s for the better.And stay on the right track.So that one day we will see our loved ones again.Just remember it’s not good bye it’s intill we meet again.I know that don’t make it any easier.Just remember now he doesn’t have to hurt.He has a new body in Christ.He can walk ,sing And play that banjo like never befor. Were sending lots of prayers your way.Love n hugs to!!

  12. Carol A Akers says:

    We are so saddened & so sorry for the loss of such a special person. Our prayers & thoughts go out to all of the Blanton family & especially to Lorie & Aliysa. Our Heavenly Father loves you very much and loved Mike so much that he spared him from further pain by taking him home. His beautiful voice, his musical talent and his smile will forever live on.
    Carol & Dustin Akers & Sue (Jackie) Lewis

  13. Joy Loudermilk Pettyjohn says:

    I was saddened to hear that Mike had passed a way. We will keep the family in prayer. I know how hard it can be to lose a husband. Mike will always be remembered for his music.

  14. Phyllis Patton says:

    Condolences to the whole Blanton family for the loss of your loved one. He will surely be missed by many God Bless You All Harold & Phyllis Patton

  15. Tom and Nancy Stevens says:

    Our hearts break to know you are no longer with us but we would not bring you back to this cruel world. You will never know what you did for Belmont Community Church. You taught us to prefer one another above ourselves! Never forgotten!! We love u Sis Lorie and your family!

  16. Jen Coile says:

    My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Micheal. You will forever stay in my thoughts and prayers.

  17. Acie Workman says:

    You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. He has gone home to sing in that gospel group in the sky!

  18. Shelley Shupp says:

    Lorie ….my heart is breaking knowing that you have lost your only soulmate and best friend. Our Lord knew what he was doing when he brought you to him! There’s a reason for every thing and God isn’t finished with you…know that Ilove you and hold you in prayer.

  19. Debbie & Theodric pointer says:

    We are so sorry lori to hear about Mike we are sure gonna miss him but will never forget him if you need anything sweetie just give me a call or pm me on fb we love you guys keeping you and the family in our prayers God has taking another beautiful angel from us but one day we will meet again R.I.H mike love yall The pointer family !!!!!!!!

  20. Tim and Ruthie Hall says:

    When the call came through that Bro. Mike had passed away, I picked up the phone with regret cause I knew probably that was what it was…our hearts are broken along with yours…Lorie, that man loved you and your families with all his heart…I could see it…he had a big hand in teaching the Belmont Community Church how to powerfully sing congregational music…he will never, ever be forgotten…it was a privilege to really see the spirit of the Lord take hold of his life and bless us with his music…we love you Sister
    Lorie

  21. Joyce Lewis (Strong) says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. May god bless you all. R.I.P.my man. Love Joyce Lewis and Family. From Edgewater FL

  22. Terri (Hoover) Dray says:

    Just wanted to say so sorry to read of Mikes passing…..I knew Mike and his family for years….went to school with his sisters,went to church with the family…just knew them all ..seems like my whole life time….even knew Hade and Dorothy (his parents)…..and was so shocked when he started taking treatments same time as i did….praying God gives you all peace and comfort thru your time of grief….no more pain no more suffering and NO MORE CANCER. fo Mike….he has his eternal healing now!! I know he was well loved and will be missed by many….God Bless you..My and my sympathy is with you all. Sincerly Terri (Hoover) Dray.

  23. Tonya & Loretta Grass says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. Michael was a man with an angelic voice. Heaven’s music is a lot sweeter. May God’s arms embrace the Blanton Family in your time of loss.

    We Love you,

    Tonya & Loretta Grass
    Clearwater Florida

  24. Evelyn Simmons says:

    Praying for you,Lorie,also for the Children,Siblings Family and friends,,we know how sad it must be for all of you.
    Michael,has been a blessing to everyone that has known him,personally and through his music with his family,God has used him in a mighty way,and now he will be singing in Heaven with his family there.
    God Bless each and everyone of you!
    Bob and Evelyn Simmons

  25. ken & SHIRLEY LIGHT says:

    TOM,
    YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYER’S.
    GOD BLESS YOU.
    KEN AND SHIRLEY LIGHT

  26. Cindy Caudill says:

    Lorie and Family, Our prayers are with your family at this time. I have known Mike for many and many years, he worked with 7 brothers at UBrand, he used to come to our house when I was little. He knew our whole family, we used to listen tot he Blanton Family albums all the time. Mike was like one of my brothers, he will be greatly missed.

  27. Sarah Heintz/Southern Care says:

    Thoughts & Prayers to the entire family both now and in the coming months and days ahead. Mike was always such a friendly guy when I would visit Ontario Commons while he worked there. He also had a smile to give along with a kind word. Lorie thoughts/prayers along with comfort, love and peace. I will continue to pray for you and your family

  28. Angela Wright says:

    I am heart sick to hear that my old friend has left this earth. He has always been an inspiration to so many. My family all loved him. This world will be a darker place without him but heaven just got a shining star and he is singing with the angels. Can’t you just picture it? Bye bye my friend until we meet again.

  29. Donna Smithberger says:

    To Lorie and the Blanton family: So sorry to hear about Mike he will be missed by all who new him.He was areal inspiration to everyone who knew him.Mike is in heavens hands now.He will be singing in our lord saviors qoior in heaven now.May God be with all the family and friends and give them comfort at this time of loss.May God Bless You All You have my deepest condolence

  30. Cheryl King says:

    I am rejoicing in his new life!!!!!!.He is where I long to be.
    His music both touched and blessed my life..I pray God
    lifts the sadness from you all..
    Try to remember where he is and how happy
    he must be…Hallelujah Brother Mike, Hallelujah……
    God Bless

  31. Gayle Hammons Ruybe says:

    I am so sorry to hear of this sweet man’s passing. I remember when he played music with my mom and dad (Keith and Norma Hammons) and played on the “Wings over Jordan” album. Which sounds just as good today. He was so funny, and cocky and sweet. A very memorable man and a very sad day when he left this world. I bet he has the angels laughing and is singing in heaven now. Thanks for the time we had you Mike.

  32. Trisha Hutchinson says:

    Sandy and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Praying God comforts you and holds you close to Him.

  33. Susan Smith says:

    Lorie and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Lorie you have been with us from the start of our business and we love you like a daughter. I know it’s such a sad time right now, but I also know that Michael is in heaven singing with that choir and probably cracking everyone up with his jokes! Love you all! Jerry & Susan Smith

  34. Ed & Sandi says:

    Our prayers go out to the whole Blanton family as you mourn the loss of Michael.

  35. Barb Martin says:

    Sorry for the loss of mike he will sadly missed for the great work he did for the Lord worked with him at U brand he was the kind
    of person you loved his kindness and couldn’t forget .No more pain and no more sorrow picking and singing for Jesus . But my heart is so heavy for his family and the band members. May God Bless you in your time of grief

  36. Charles & Harriett Saunders says:

    Sandy, Gary & Alisha
    We are sorry for the loss of Mike. Praying God will give you peace and comfort thru your time of grief.

  37. Ernie & Marcia (Horn) Hall says:

    May God comfort you at this time of great personal loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this time.

    God Bless;

    Ernie and Marcia (Horn) Hall

  38. Ann Lee says:

    Mike will be missed ,,but not forgotten,,,,my condolence to his wife,family and friends,,,,,now he is singing with loved ones,and Angels of God….now we will always look forward in seeing Mike again….Bless God forever.

  39. Jeaneen Perry says:

    Lori, I’m sorry to hear about Mike. I think back to a conversation we had before you began to date him. You were so undecided if you should take that big step. The next time we saw each other you couldn’t stop talking about him and the joy you had found. I know there is sorrow today but joy comes in the morning. Peace and comfort to you and the family.
    Jeaneen Perry

  40. lrene Appleby says:

    Gary,Donna.Shirley and the Blanton family, So sorry about Mike. He was a special kind of person who always had a good sense of humor and a smile. We have known each other for a long time. The last time I saw him was a year ago when he happened to be singing at the nursing home where we had just taken mom. He came to her room and had prayer with all of us. It meant so much to her and us. He said all the right things to lift our spirits. I’m so sorry for your loss. May God keep you all in his care in the hard days ahead. love Irene

  41. Rosemary (Barclay)Barker says:

    Dear Harold and family. My sister Elaine just sent me an Obit in the Shelby, Ohio newspaper about Michael. I am so sorry about your loss. You may not remember me, we went to school together. I lived on Wayne St. and you on Newman St. in Mansfield, Ohio. You had a pony you let my brother Anthony and I ride. Anthony (nickname Turtle) is age of Mike. Your father ask us to go to your church. The Blanton’s were singing, I am so glad you all kept up the gospel singing. After 7th. grade you move to where I did not know. I will pray for your family in your time of sorrow that the Lord will heal you in time. Your family has not been forgot. God Bless In God’s Love Rosemary (Rosie)

  42. Boyd/Brenda Watts says:

    How do you express a loss with words? We have only known Mike and the Blanton Family for about 5 years but in that time we have grown to Love Them All.
    Mike was a person if you ever met, you will never forget. Time did not allow us to say so long to our Brother or to spend time with the Family.
    We were assured in our Spirit, that Mike knew that our Heart and Prayers were with him.
    Now our Heart and Prayers are for the Family and will be until we meet Mike again over on HEAVENS SHORE
    For Mike will be waiting with arms open to greet us.
    May God Bless the Whole Blanton Family.
    We LOVE ALL of YOU
    Boyd & Brenda Watts

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