Everett Burley Blanton

Everett Burley Blanton, Jr., 89, of Abilene, formerly of Amarillo, died Saturday, December 11, 2010 at a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at Central Church of Christ in Amarillo, directed by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. He will lie in state from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery (Amarillo). The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2010 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, Texas. Everett was born August 8, 1921 to Everett Burley Sr. and Ida Mae Blanton in Waco, Texas and grew up in Dallas. He graduated from North Texas State University in Denton and Baylor School of Dentistry. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and served at the end of WWII. Everett continued to serve in the Naval Reserves and was called back to duty during the Korean War. After leaving the Navy at the end of WWII, he established a dental practice in Amarillo with Dr. Bob Fowler. Everett married Peggy Powell on April 8, 1950 in Childress, Texas. During his years in Amarillo, he faithfully served as an elder in several Church of Christ congregations including Southlawn Church of Christ, Southwest Church of Christ, and Central Church of Christ. Everett also served as a trustee for Church Loans Investment Company in Amarillo. In September of 1996, Everett and Peggy moved from Amarillo to Nashville, Tennessee, where they were members of Woodmont Hills Church of Christ. In February of 2005 Everett and Peggy moved to Abilene and joined Highland Church of Christ. He served on the board at Lubbock Christian College, Amarillo Christian School and the Advisory Board and Abilene Christian University. He was a member of the Texas Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Everett was instrumental in establishing the High Plains Children's Home and the home for unwed mothers. Because of his love for young couples he performed hundreds of marriages. He taught bible classes at all the churches he served and alongside his wife they led marriage enrichment seminars for many years. Everett is survived by his wife, Peggy of Abilene; two sons, Everett Michael and wife Paula of Nashville, TN, and William Patrick and wife Paula of Keller, TX; three daughters, Cindy and husband Matt Zahodnik of San Antonio, TX, Molly and husband Dr. Gary Heath of Abilene, TX, Tammy Schmidt of Amarillo, TX; and one brother, Bill Blanton of Abilene. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Boothe and husband Conor Farley, Chelsea and husband Heath Drimmel, Carter Blanton, Sara Brooke Blanton, Rebecca and husband Taylor Burton, Haley Blanton, Stetson Blanton, Tenell Zahodnik, Jason Zahodnik, Travis Zahodnik, Ryan and wife Darrah Lowe, Megan Lowe, Patrick Lowe, Erich and wife Ginna Schmidt, Nicholas and wife Gaylen Schmidt, Neeley Schmidt, and Kelsey Schmidt: as well as seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one great-granddaughter, Copeland Farley. Memorials may be made to the Blanton Place of Encouragement at High Plains Children's Home, 11461 South Western, Amarillo, TX 79118; or to World Christian Broadcasting, 605 Bradley Ct., Franklin, TN 37067.