November 3, 1925 - January 30, 2022
Rev. Joel Neal Blanton Sr., 96, of Logansport, passed away 2:20 am Sunday Jan. 30, 2022, at Blair Ridge Nursing Home in Peru, Indiana. He was born in Drumright, on Nov. 3, 1925, the son of the late Marcus and Lillian (Hubbard) Blanton. On Jan. 26, 1948, he married Geraldine “Geri” Johnson, and she preceded him in death on April 4, 2010.
Joel was a 1944 graduate of Depew High School. After graduating, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy as seaman and Gunners Mate from 1944 to 1946. he enrolled at Columbia University, NY for general studies. He earned a Bachelor of Music in 1953 from Oklahoma Baptist University. Joel achieved a Bachelor of Divinity and a Master of Divinity both from Southwestern Baptist Seminary. Joel’s life work was devoted to pastoring at several Baptist Churches across Oklahoma and Indiana. All of his family was proud of his conversion to Christ and serving people to help them do the same.
Joel is survived by his sons, Joel Blanton Jr., Jeffrey (Charlene) Blanton; 10 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus and Lillian Blanton; wife, Geri Blanton; daughter, Glenda Marsh; and brother, Frederick Blanton.
Friends were invited to visit with the family from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday Feb. 7, 2022, at Baptist Temple Church, 700 East Broadway, Logansport, Indiana, 46947. Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday at the church, with Pastor Mark Foreman. officiating, military rites will be provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Burial will take place in Oakdale Cemetery in Depew, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Depew First Baptist Church with Pastor James Lame officiating. Interment will follow at the Oakdale Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Hutchins Maples Matherly Funeral Home.