Howard Monroe Blanton, 93, loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died Friday, May 6, 2016, at Catawba Regional Hospice in Newton. A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late G. Thurman and Mayme Hardin Blanton. Howard served in the Army during WWII, and retired from BB&T as a teller, after 44 years of service. He was a member of Sharon United Methodist Church, enjoyed gardening, tending to his flowers, and trips to the mountains. He and his wife would often be seen eating at Alston Bridges BBQ.

PRECEDED: In addition the his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Vetas Guy Blanton

SURVIVED: He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Sarah Henson Blanton, of the home; daughters, Gloria Mayhue and husband Eric of Vale, Sheila Tillman and husband William of Hickory, and Jan Waters of Hildebran; sister, Myrldine Robbins and husband Faye of Hickory Grove, SC; grandsons, Jake Waters and Jonathan Mayhue and wife Amanda; and great-granddaughter, Ava Mayhue.

FUNERAL SERVICES: Funeral services will be held 2pm, Monday, at Sharon United Methodist Church

VISITATION: The family will receive friends 12:30-2pm, Monday, at the church

BURIAL: will follow in the church cemetery with military honor's

CLERGY: Rev. April Abernethy will officiate

MEMORIALS: Sharon United Methodist Church, 871 College Ave., Shelby, NC 28152

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com