Matt G. Blanton, 92, of Hazleton, passed away on Friday, June 10, 2016 at Gibson General Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility in Princeton.

He was born on November 27, 1923 in Laurel County, KY to George Washington and Sarah Louise (Noe) Blanton.

Matt had lived in Hazleton since 1945 moving there from Kentucky. He quit school in the 8th grade to join the Army during W.W.II. He always regretted not graduating high school, so at the age of 75 he received his high school diploma. Then he went on the get his A.S. and B.S. Degrees in Theology from Grace Bible College. He was a member of the Cathedral Church in Evansville. He retired from Prestolite Battery in Vincennes where he worked for 30 years.

He is survived by his children, Sara (Rick) Morrison of Princeton, Linda (David) Skelton of Mt. Olympus, Jim (Lora) Blanton of Mt. Olympus, John Blanton of Aurora, IL and Richard Blanton of Evansville; 7 grandchildren, Maria (Jeff) Showalter, Keri (Troy) Compton, Leah (Troy) Moody, Bailey, Jake, Rachel and Luke Blanton; 9 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois on April 30, 2016; son, Ronnie Blanton; grandson, Matt Byerly and 12 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be at 10AM on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, officiated by Rev. Alan Shelby.  Burial will follow in the Hazleton Community Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home. Military graveside services by Retired Military Veterans.