Steven E. Blanton

NORTH LEWISBURG – Steven E. Blanton, 74, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 at OSU James Cancer Center.

Steve was born on Nov. 5, 1951 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, to Felix Blanton Jr. and Helen Joyce (Thompson).

Steve started his career as a plasterer at the age of 18 following the steps of his uncles who were commercial plasterers and drywall installers/finishers. Steve became a union plasterer and foreman and worked in this capacity for 20 years before owning his own business. Steve later returned to commercial construction before an injury that ended his career.

Steve was a true craftsman with his hands and had meticulous attention to detail. He enjoyed woodworking, landscaping, gardening, fishing and bird watching. Steve loved spending time with family, a yearly camp-out in the backyard, holiday gatherings, or just a coffee and a visit. Steve also loved his canine companion Suzy Q.

Children included Bruce Blanton (Melinda), Missy Ussher, (Becky Thrush), Jerry Ussher (Jennifer), Matt Warner (Kiesha), Tom Ussher, Marilu Walton (Corey); 13 grandchildren including Ashlee Myer (Anthony), Ashley Goe (Dustin), Mackenzie Haney, Brandon, Brandi Ussher, Brittney Ussher-Gonzalez, Austin Blanton, Zach and Jacob Warner, Briana, Taylor, Kati Ussher, and Michael Walton (Maria Huffman) and 6 great-grandchildren including Lyla and Emerly Myer, Isabella Ussher, Elliot and Ember Goe, Billy Walton, one aunt Marge Blanton (Stillwell) and one niece Shauna Gamble.

Steve is preceded in death by Elaine Blanton- wife of 28 years, parents Felix Blanton Jr and Helen Joyce Thompson, Don Blanton- son, Mary Short- wife of 11 years, Deb Blanton and Lynda Young- sisters, Cecil (Jonny), Irving (Wetzel) Thompson, Delbert, Odell, Glenn, and Gorman Blanton- uncles, Donna Fae Harris, Patty Thompson, and Dorris Blanton- aunts.

Family and friends whose lives Steve touched are invited to the FRESHWATER MCDONALD, AND VERNON Funeral Home, 57 W. Maple St., North Lewisburg, Ohio, on Tuesday Jan. 20, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. for a funeral service with PT Thompson officiating.

Burial will follow the service at the Maple Grove Cemetery in North Lewisburg.

Following the burial there will be a dinner for family and friends to gather at the North Lewisburg Methodist Church, 124 Maple St., North Lewisburg, Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.