The Herald Democrat
October 21, 2004

DENISON - Ben Freeman Blanton, age 81, of Denison passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2004, at his residence. Services were held Saturday morning, October 23 at Johnson-Moore Chapel with Dr. Jim Bowden officiating. Burial followed at Cedarlawn Memorial Park.
Mr. Blanton was born on March 31, 1923 in Denison, Texas, son of Benjamin Franklin and Frances Hodge Blanton. Ben graduated from Denison High School in 1941 in the face of World War II, and like all others, headed for the recruiting office. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and became an instrument flying instructor, teaching Air Force cadets in the art of instrument take offs, charted courses and landings for some of our heaviest bombers in World War II.
After the war was over, Ben left the service and accepted employment as a Texas Dept. of Public Safety trooper for about five years, stationed in El Paso and other points along the border. After a period with the MKT Railroad, he accepted employment as a rural mail carrier with the U.S Postal Service, after having been appointed by Congressman Ray Roberts. He retired in 1988.
He married Jean Pennell on October 16, 1948, in Sherman, Texas. Ben and Jean had many hobbies and spent nearly 25 years raising Quarter horses. He was also a Ham Radio Operator, having attained the highest license offered by the Ham Radio Relay League which accorded him broadcast rights throughout the world, a hobby he thoroughly enjoyed.
They were also avid deer hunters for many years and enjoyed fishing on Lake Texoma. He was also a 56-year member of Masonic Lodge #403 and the Hella Temple Shrine. He was a member of Waples Memorial United Methodist Church and the Criterion Sunday School Class. He also served on the Administrative Board.
Pallbearers were Keith Hubbard, Burney Robinson, Glen Hawkins and Robby Roberts. Honorary pallbearers were Frank Luckie and Glenn Simpson.
Surviving are his wife, Jean Blanton of Denison; niece, Carolyn Wells Dickson of Elkin, North Carolina; great-niece, Laurie Dyer and her husband, Sean. and daughters, Bevin and Darcie, all of Elkin, North Carolina; great-nephew, David Carter Dickson III and wife, Cindy, and sons, Carter IV and Jack Wells Dickson, all of Newton, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Robert Pennell and wife, Gerry, of Hobbs, New Mexico; sisters-in-law, Pauline Walker of Sherman, Texas and Betty Pennell of Kenefic, Oklahoma; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sheriff Woody Blanton; and sisters, Dorothy Blanton Wells and Louise Blanton.
The family suggests memorials to Waples Memorial United Methodist Church, 830 W. Main Street, Denison, Texas 75020.