Blanton Lee Jones, 86, passed peacefully from this life with family beside him October 10, 2024. He was born June 22, 1938, in Stephenville, Texas to Floyd Garland Jones and Virgie Garnett Blanton Jones. Blanton married Dicey Wilson on October 4, 1959. They were happily married until her passing in 1997. Blanton later married Gail Evans Qualls on March 27, 1999.

Blanton was raised in De Leon and graduated with the class of 1956. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was always honored to have served his country. He owned and operated a full service Texaco in Ft. Worth for many years. Upon selling his Texaco, he was blessed to be able to purchase this family homestead in Comyn. He eventually made Comyn his full-time home and opened Jones Auto in De Leon. He enjoyed serving the De Leon and surrounding communities with all their auto needs for many years. Blanton always loved working on cars and was a talented mechanic. Outside of work, he was never idle. He was very active and loved to keep busy. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and hunting arrowheads and treasures. Blanton loved playing softball, raising cattle, and farming. Any outdoor activity could keep him happily outside all day long. Metal artwork and welding were  fun hobbies of his and he was always up to learn a new skill.

Blanton loved to stay involved in his community. He gladly served on the Comyn Cemetery Board, volunteered at the De Leon Food Pantry, and served on the Peach and Melon Festival Board. He truly had a servant's heart and was always willing to step into the leadership role whenever needed. Blanton served as a Deacon at De Leon First Baptist Church for many years as well as Comyn Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and was faithful in his discipleship and sharing the love of God however he could. He was a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a special friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Jones; daughter, Cindy Newton (Chris); stepson, Roddy Qualls (Lorraine); grandchildren, Becky Dugan (Rowdy), Jessica Cleere-Riley, Jenny Jones, Alex Newton, Allison Ravassipour (Amir), Rustin Qualls (Margo), Riley Sebesta (Nathan), Eric Hutton (Ashley); twelve great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Blanton was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Garnett Jones; wife, Dicey Wilson Jones; son, Russell Jones; and sisters, LaQuita Lee and Nettie Stone.

Graveside funeral services celebrating Blanton's life were held Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in Comyn Cemetery with Brother Donald Bean officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ministerial Alliance esp. for De Leon Food Pantry (PO Box 290, De Leon, Texas 76444) in memory of Blanton.