Larry Ellis Blanton

Larry Ellis Blanton died July 28, 2025 in the VA Hospital in Cincinnati with his wife by his side.

Larry was born in Hamilton, Ohio to Boyd and Christeen Blanton (nee Cooper). He graduated from Withrow High School in Cincinnati where he excelled in the swim and diving team, cross country running and baseball. A natural athlete, he continued playing baseball and softball into adulthood.

After high school, Larry joined the Air Force and was stationed at Kinchloe Air Force Base outside of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He wa honorably discharged in 1974.

Larry spent most of his career in the transportation trucking industry for a number of companies, working his way up to operations manager. After suffering a heart attack in 2008, he spent the last 8 years of his career as a warehouse associate and ambassador to new hires at Amazon.com.

Larry loved music and dancing and was well known in the disco clubs of the era. He enjoyed going to his children’s practices and sporting events. He liked golfing with his brothers and traveling with his wife.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Clovis “Buck” Blanton, and Lee “Butch” Blanton.

He is survived by his wife Dona Strube (nee Olson), his sons Jason Block and Michael Blanton, daughters Jessica Grieshop and Katelyn Blanton, brother Gary “Randy” Blanton, sisters Theresa Bergland and Linda Farrar, and four grandchildren.

In lieu of memorials please donate to the American Red Cross disaster fund or plant a tree. Any memorials received will go toward purchase of snacks and nutrition drinks for patients at the hemo-oncology infusion center at the VA Hospital in Cincinnati where Larry spent many hours of his time the last few years.

A Memorial Celebration of Life for Larry is occurring on August 16, 2025 at the VFW Post 6562, 1596 OH-131, Milford, Ohio 45150 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Lunch will be served.