Retired
 oil driller, Tom Blanton, 86, died Tuesday, October 31, in Oxford, OH. 
Mr. Blanton was born November 1, 1903 in Johnson County, the son of Sam 
and Sarah Fairchild Blanton. He was a member of the United Baptist 
Church.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dixie Blanton in 
1980.  Surviving are his Wife, Mary Blanton; 3 step sons, Samuel Saylor 
of Athens, GA,  Ben Saylor of Lebanon, OH, and Charles Saylor of Camden,
 OH; 3 daughters, Dorothy Bayes, of Camden, Helen Blanton of Belva, WV 
and Patsy Green of Brookville, IN; 3 step daughters, Ruby Peak and Joann
 Peak both of Camden and Lucy Elkenberry of Dayton, OH; 2 brothers, 
Grover Blanton of Van Lear and Eual Blanton of Louisa; one sister, Alma 
VanHoose of Dunbar, WV; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren. 
Funeral services were held Friday, November 3, in Paintsville Funeral 
Home Chapel with Rev. Ellis Hamilton officiating. Burial was in Williams
 Cemetery at Oil Springs. <br>Paintsville Herald<br>November 8, 1989