John Blanton

Selma Attorney, John H. Blanton, a native of Selma, Alabama, passed away on December 27, 2010 in Selma. He was 92 years old. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Hutchings Blanton of Selma, two sons, John Hutchings Blanton of Mobile, Barry Scott Blanton of Selma and a daughter, Margaret Blanton Colley of Prattville. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Louis Carl Colley, and three granddaughters, Mary Frances Colley, Julia Claiborne Colley and Elizabeth Greer Colley. Mr. Blanton was born February 28, 1918 in Selma, Alabama and graduated from Old Selma High School. He later attended the University of Alabama where, in his first year, he received the award for the Most Outstanding Freshman. Mr. Blanton graduated with a degree in Commerce & Business Administration and then received a law degree from the University. At the outbreak of WWII, Mr. Blanton volunteered for the US NAVY and attended the Officer���s Training Schools at Northwestern and Notre Dame. He served as a deck officer on board the LST-470 in the South Pacific Amphibious Forces, First Marine Division and Army Troops under General Douglas McArthur. On May 4th of 2009, Mr. Blanton enjoyed a trip to Washington aboard the Honor Flight to see the WWII Memorial. After WWII, Mr. Blanton attended Harvard University for post graduate law studies. He later attained the rank of Naval Commander in the United States Naval Reserve, JAG Corps. In 1962, Mr. Blanton was elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives and served two terms. He also served as a United States Magistrate. Mr. Blanton practiced law in Selma for 56 years until he retired at the age of 85. He was a member of the Selma Rotary Club, served as President of the Selma & Dallas County Bar Association and as the President of the Dallas County Crippled Children���s Society & Member of the Central Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Blanton served on the Board of Stewards of the Church Street United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be held at the Church Street United Methodist Church in the Calhoun Parlor at 1PM Friday, December 31, 2010 with Graveside Services following at The New Live Oak Cemetery at 2:30PM with Rev. Fred Zeigler of Church Street Methodist Church officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home directing.
Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Dallas County Bar Association and Members of Post 20 of The American Legion.
The family requests Memorial Gifts be made to Church Street United Methodist Church, Easter Seals UCP or to a charity of choice.