Lawrence Edward Blanton

1936 - 2023

Kerrville TX - Lawrence Edward Blanton passed away in Kerrville, TX on May 26, 2023. Born in San Perlita, TX in 1936 to Esther Ruth and John Luther Blanton, his father was taken when Lawrence was only 3 months old. At 3 years old, his mother would go on to marry Orville May, a man whom Lawrence loved immensely, and who loved and raised Lawrence as his own.

He graduated from Raymondville High School in 1954 and went on to North Texas State on a football scholarship - he would ultimately go on to receive his Master's Degree in Education. He proudly served in the US Army from 1957-1961. He then met the love of his life, Zola Gail Larson, and they married in 1963. He was a beloved teacher in La Sara and San Perlita for many years before moving with his family to teach in Japan in 1980, and then taught in Germany. This journey would take him to over 20 countries in 17 years, finally retiring to Kerrville Texas in 1997.

Never without a story to tell or a joke to crack, Lawrence would tell you everything there was to know about classical music or a historical event if you had the time - sometimes, a few times. There was seldom an opportunity for a laugh or a chuckle that was missed.

Lawrence would always take the time to remind you that "some got it, and some don't" - he had it.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Zola Gail, his two children Laura May (Blanton) Harvey, John Larson Blanton, his sister Linda Nell (May) Shaar, son-in-law Michael Turner Harvey, daughter-in-law Lisa Ann (Knopp) Blanton, 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services are 5/31 at 10AM at Kerrville's Inn of the Hills; in lieu of flowers please make donations to Dietert Center's Meals on Wheels program in Kerrville.