About a week before Charlie died, we were discussing results of Blanton DNA study revealing that our Blanton ancestral lines stemmed from an illicit affair between a man named Abraham Womack and presumed widow woman named Nancy aka Ann Blanton. Charlie chuckled and said, "Oh, how my dad would have roared with laughter upon hearing that bit of information. He paused and said, "Ya know, just about the worst thing that can happen to a kid is finding his dad dead from a gunshot wound. If he only knew how much we kids missed him."

extractions from funeral home records:
Charlie went to be with his Lord on January 20, 2008. He was born May 24, 1939 in Leonard, Texas. Preceded in death by first wife, Gailya Blanton, parents, J.O. and Ruby Blanton and sister Juadeen Dolph. Survived by his wife, Judith Bobbitt Blanton, son and daughter-in-law Dan Blanton and Maura Nolan, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Michael Burks, grandchildren Ruby and Preston; sister SuLaine Dekkers and family; mother-in-law Uralee Farell, brother-in-law Dan Farell and family; along with many loving nephews, nieces, aunts, cousins, colleagues, and friends.
Charlie grew up in Commerce, TX and graduated from Commerce High School in 1957 and from East Texas State University with a BS, MS and EdD. He lettered in football at both institutions and in college competed in two Orange Bowl games. The love of sports led him to be an excellent coach and servant in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Devoting 45 years of his professional life to learning and teaching, he served as a teacher, coach, and principal in several Dallas ISD schools, and as principal at Newman Smith HS in Carrollton ISD. At the university level Charlie was a professor of Educational Leadership at Texas Woman's University, Dallas Baptist University, and Texas A&M-Commerce (He refused to call it that. To him it was still ETSU). His organization, Partners In Profound Knowledge, developed reSources for the educator the same way W. Edwards Deming rebuilt Japan.
Charlie was an old East Texas country boy who came to the big city to get people to see the real possibilities in an opportunity. He had a constant thirst for knowledge and was involved in numerous organizations including: Association of Secondary School Principals and Council of Professors of Educational Administration Leadership, both state wide and nationally. He was President of Association of Texas Educators, Dallas School Administrators Association and Executive Director Emeritus of Texas Council of Professions of Education Administration.
He professed his faith in Jesus Christ at a young age and was a longtime member, deacon and teacher at First Baptist Church of Dallas. The day of his death, Charlie had attended his First Baptist Church to watch his son-in-law ordained as a deacon.
An avid collector of all things having to do with Texas and Southwest History, Charlie had a love for Texas Rangers and anything western. His collections included paintings and first edition historical documents and books. This hobby led Charlie to be an active member and leader of the Texas Historical Foundation.
Charlie was a big man with a big heart to match. He loved many things, but his main love was for people. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to his scores of eclectic friends. Charlie is missed terribly, but his memory is secure in the hearts of those who knew him, sat under his tutelage, or simply called him friend.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, January 24 at First Baptist Church in Dallas with burial at 2 p.m. in Sonora Cemetery in Fairlie, Texas. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 - 8 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest. Donations can be made to the


SOME EXTRACTIONS FROM THE MEMORIAL TRIBUTES
Dr Blanton was my principal at Newman Smith during the 80's. His kind, but firm support lifted me up during my troubling teenage years. Just 2 years ago I decided to pursue a teaching career. I attended Dallas Christian College, where, to my surprise, Dr. Blanton was our guest speaker. Once again he inspired a whole slew of soon-to-be teachers with his humor, excellent advice and wisdom. For you Dr. Blanton, I will quote YOUR quote (and you have to snap your fingers in rhythm when you say it): "If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on gettin' what 'cha always got!" Rest in Peace, We will never forget you!
/s/ Michelle Davis (Carrollton, TX)

"Good Morning Coach, I am Charlie Blanton" was the greeting in the early 1980's when I first met Charlie at Newman Smith High School. I was a teacher there and little did I know that over the next 25 years Charlie would profoundly impact my life as a teacher, coach, counselor, university representative, principal, doctoral student, and most of all dear dear friend. His teachings will be with me for all my days, but the hundreds of phone calls that I made to him to ask for help, opinion, or get the lastest book review will be what is most remembered.Charlie sat as member of my dissertation committee at Mississippi State University and I am not sure but what he enjoyed it more than I since he tutored me for those 5 years. The last email I got from Charlie asked the question that pinpointed his life and our relationship..."what did you learn" he said. Well Dr. Blanton, I learned that I must now take up the gaunlet that you have passed to me and continuously improve with purpose and desire. I am a better person and educator because Dr. Charlie Blanton was my mentor, counselor, and friend. I will close with how Charlie, in later years answered his cell phone..."MOMMA AND JESUS ALWAYS LOVED ME, HOW CAN I HELP YOU". Oh Charlie did you help me! /s/ Jim Hawkins, Ph.D. (Lawton, OK)