Francis Gene Blanton

Francis Gene Blanton, 72, of Greenup, KY, went home to see Jesus, on Friday, August 15, 2014 at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, KY.   Mr. Blanton was born on April 7, 1942 in Hamlet, IN; a son of the late George and Virgie Mae Miller Blanton.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers:  Harley Lee Blanton and George Blanton JR; and two sisters:  Dora Mae Balcom and Evie Bergetts.   Mr. Blanton was a farmer, rebuilt transmissions, and was a naval veteran.  He was a member, and on the board of Gateway Church of God in Portsmouth, OH.  He had a green thumb, which was evident in his domestic blackberries, peach trees, and fig trees.  Mr. Blanton was lead by the Lord in every aspect of his life.   He is survived by his loving wife of over thirty three years, Frances Gaye White Blanton; three sons: Ronald Dean (Rachael) Jones of Kingsport, TN, Jerry Scott (Jessi) Jones of Wheelersburg, OH, and Danny Lawrence (Rebecca) Jones of Portsmouth, OH; three step-daughters: two grandchildren: Austin Riley Jones and Abbigail Grace Jones; four brothers: James Charles Blanton of Coldwater, MI, Victor (Linda) Blanton of Union City, MI, Eddie K. Blanton of Greenup, KY, and Paul David (Lori) Blanton of Brownwood, TX; three sisters:  Nora Ann (Mike) Giovinazzo of Bluffton, OH, Carol Earlene Gardner of Coldwater, MI, and Joyce Ann Hawkins of Greenup, KY; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. The funeral will be at 2 PM on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Gateway Church of God in Portsmouth, OH with Pastor Shannon Bowling officiating.  Burial will follow at Blanton Cemetery in Greenup, KY. Military rites will be performed Greenbo Detachment Marine Corps League. The visitation will be from 6 until 9 pm on Monday, August 18, 2014 at Bailey Family Funeral Home in Flatwoods, KY.  Online condolences may be left at baileyfamilyfuneralhome.com.