Donald "Don" Charles Blanton, 77, of Shelby, NC, passed away and went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 6, 2025. Don was born on March 24, 1948 to the late C. Robert Blanton and Elizabeth Holland Blanton.

Besides his father and mother, Don was preceded in death by his grandparents Erie and Bate Blanton, Paul and Kate Holland, aunt and uncles, Mary Sue Todd of Boone, Jennie and Bob Falls, Jake and Lucille Harrill.

Don was a native of Cleveland County. He grew up on a farm in the Lattimore area. Don worked for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for 33 years until he retired in 2001. D.O.T. was his life - the employees- co-workers were family to him. Don worked for Shelby Fire Department in the 70s as a City Volunteer. Served in the US Army with one tour of duty in the Vietnam War. He always told his family and those he met that it was his honor and duty to serve his country. Don was a very proud Veteran. Also, he worked for Shelby City School System and helped with in house things on the school merger.

He loved sports - especially slow-pitch softball which he was involved in for over 40 years.

Don loved his church and most of all he loved God and his family. His family was his whole world.

Don is survived by his lovely wife of 56 years. Beth Blanton and two daughters and one son - Stephanie Patterson and husband Jason of Shelby, NC. Alice Kale and husband Brandon of Shelby, NC and Charlie Blanton and wife Kassidy of Shelby, NC. Grandchildren, Carlie Patterson and Laney Jo Patterson of Roanoke, VA, Brianna Holton husband John of Bostic, NC, Carson Kale, Carter Blanton and Colton Blanton of Shelby. Sister Anne Frazier and husband Larry of Lattimore, NC. Brothers Gene Blanton and wife Janice of Little River, SC, Danny Blanton and wife Dianne of Shelby, NC, Billy Blanton and wife Sherry of Shelby, NC, Nathan Blanton and wife Jan of Shelby, NC, stepmother Annette Blanton of Shelby, NC, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends, Kevin and Rhonda Wortman and Travis Glover.

A celebration of life service with military honors will be held 5:30 PM Monday September 8, 2025 at Eastside Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Eastside Baptist Church: 1165 Wyke Road Shelby, NC 28150. Or Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hyman Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.