Fred W. Blanton, age 87, of Cranston Road, Morehead, passed away Monday, October 10, 2016, at the U.K. Medical Center in Lexington. Born July 16, 1929, in Rowan County, he was a son of the late Emmett Clayton and Flo Evans Blanton. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, JoAnn Freeman, and two brothers, Jack Blanton and Glennis Blanton. Fred is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Brenda J. Blanton, whom he married February 16, 1957; one daughter, Terry (Rodney) Plank; one son, Emmett 'Bill' (Benita)Blanton; three grandchildren, Cody (Marsha) Plank and Carson Plank, all of Morehead and Lynsey (Bobby) Cantrell of Louisa; and one great granddaughter, Ava Plank. Other survivors include two step grandchildren, Brad (Caitlin) Johnson and Rachael (Justin) Childers and six step great grandchildren, Cayson Cantrell, Aidan Trent, Reagan Johnson, Roxy Childers, Kayden Childers, and Hadley Childers. Also surviving are four nieces, Cynthia Engelhardt, Patty Freeman, and Ruth McDowell, all of Kevil, Kentucky, and Ella Flo York of Goshen, Ohio. Fred was a U.S. Army veteran having served as Corporal with the 517 Combat Engineers from 1951to 1953. He was a 58-year member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 181 and a 50-year member of Morehead Masonic Lodge No. 654. Fred worked magic with a bulldozer. One can hardly drive on any major highway in Kentucky that Fred did not help to build, as well as dams, railroads, and power plants across the state. Locally, his work is also seen in many farm ponds, yards, and land that he cleared. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2016, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Cecil Ison officiating. Burial will follow in Evans Cemetery with full military honors by Morehead American Legion Post 126, who will also serve as pallbearers. Visitation is after 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2016, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals. Masonic services will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. by Morehead Masonic Lodge No. 654. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Morehead High School Scholarship Fund, c/o Ronnie Brooks, 218 Meadow Lane, Morehead, KY 40351. Visitation: Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 5 p.m./ Masonic service, 6:30 p.m., Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Funeral: Thursday, October 13, 2016, 1 p.m., Northcutt & Son Memorial Chapel Interment: Evans Cemetery