Retired BJ engraver Watson Blanton dies at 87

[Watson and Rosetta regularly attended Beacon Journal retiree luncheons and were last there in May, 2008.]

Watson Luther Blanton, 87, went home to be with his Lord on March 25, 2009.

He was born in Clearwater, Florida, on August 8, 1921. He visited Clearwater every five years to attend his high school class reunion. He received his B.S. Degree from The University of Akron where he was a member of the Alumni Association and the Zip Athletic Club.

Mr. Blanton was a member of the Adoniram Lodge #517 F&AM. He served as master of the Lodge in 1994. He was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. As a member of Calvary Baptist Church, he held the following offices: Deacon, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Financial Secretary, Sunday School teacher, and Treasurer of the Loyal Sons and Daughters Sunday School Class. He attended The Chapel.

During World War II, FCI Officer Blanton served in five major naval battles in the South Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Tingey DD539. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart. After the war, he was a member of the commissioning crew of the U.S.S. Toledo. Watson retired from the Akron Beacon Journal with 22 years service in the engraving department.

Recently the Webelos I Den from Pack 3075 in Akron gathered at Watson's northwest Akron home to perform a patriotic ceremony of kindness and respect to honor him for his military service in the Navy during World War II. Watson was honored and thrilled to hear that the Cubs have voted to make him an honorary member of their Pack.

Mr. Blanton was preceded in death by his parents, James and Effie Blanton; brothers, Lee and Fred; and sisters, Lois and Lucille. He is survived by his wife, Rosetta Evelyn; sister, Mildred Lazo; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express thanks to Dr. Robert D.Mosteller, Dr. Eric Rodriguez, Dr. Richard Sparrow, Dr. Michael Gideon, and the doctors and nurses in Emergency at Summa, especially Dr. Ugo Gallo who saved Watson's life, the caring and kind nurses in Critical Care at Summa, and also Melissa White and Scott Carter, his heroes, who administered CPR to him when he suffered a cardiac arrest. We owe much appreciation to the Cadiac Rehab Staff at Summa Hospital who provided rehab treatment for Watson that resulted in a prolongation of his life Jim, Clyde, Tom, Kendra, Patti, and Sally. Grateful appreciation is also expressed to Pastor Lynn Warner and Pastor Eloy Pacheco from The Chapel for their faithfulness in ministering daily to Watson and the hospital chaplains, Deborah Damore and Lois Maio and to Melissa Carawick, hospital staff member.

Services will be held 11 a.m. MONDAY at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Pastors Lynn Warner, Eloy Pacheco and Steven Sholar officiating. Interment with military honors by V.F.W. Post 7971/American Legion Post 473 at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home SUNDAY from 2 to 5 p.m., where Adoniram Lodge #517 officiated by George Seabeck will conduct services at 5 p.m., and one hour before services on Monday. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market St., Akron 44308. His presence will be missed by the family.

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
[Beacon Journal, Akron, OH, Friday, March 7, 2009, page B6, col. 2]


See blog post about visit of Scouts


See photo of Watsons in wedding anniversary post on this blog