Deep Ellum mourns the passing of one of its pioneer developers and property owners, Don Blanton. Please join the Deep Ellum Association in honoring this legendary figure in Deep Ellum’s colorful history and keep the Blanton family in your thoughts.
Don Blanton was born on December 31, 1940 in Weatherford, Texas to Bob and Peggy Blanton, and passed away on December 20, 2008. Don graduated from Monterey High School in Lubbock in 1959 where he lived with his parents until his enlistment into the Navy in 1961. He moved to Dallas in 1965 and went to work at Maher Brothers Ford where he became the General Manager. In the early 80s, Don was instrumental in founding the current Deep Ellum where he became a major property owner. At the age of 57, Don met his only wife, Jeanne, in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico on a Rotary Club trip. They married soon after and she is the true love of his life. Don is survived by his brother, Bobby Blanton of Lubbock, his wife, Jeanne Blanton of Dallas, his stepson Deric Bartels of Lubbock, his mother-in-law Peggy Crook of Rowlett, numerous cousins, his many friends and a very special 4 year old second cousin in law, Trace Maus, who calls him “Pappy”.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2009 at Sparkman Hillcrest Northwest Highway Chapel. Burial will follow services at DFW National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children, Inc., 19051 FM Road 2484, Killeen, Texas 76542-5068 or go to www.peaceablekingdomretreat.com