Walter Leon Blanton was born on January 12, 1948 in England, Arkansas to Reverend Walter Ray Blanton Jr and Athelean (Miller) Blanton. At a young age the family moved to Norwich Kansas and Leon graduated from Norwich High School with the class of 1967.

On November 24, 1967, Leon joined the United States Marine Corps. Proudly serving his country during Vietnam, he received the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, National Defense Service Medal, and Rifle Marksman Badge. On June 1, 1970, Leon was promoted to the rank of Sergeant E-5 and was transferred to the Marine Corps on September 24, 1970. On November 23, 1973 he received his Honorable Discharge.

Leon was united in marriage with Barbra May Walter on April 13, 1970 at the Norwich Baptist Church. They were blessed with three children: Kimberly, Sheila, and April. The family made their home in Norwich until they moved to the farm near Murdock, Kansas in 1980. Leon worked as a Modification Technician for Boeing Aircraft for 25 years. During this time he worked on many airplanes, including Air Force I. Barbra passed away on July 1, 1997.

On September 7, 2017, Leon passed away at home in Kingman, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Athelean, and his wife, Barbra. He will be missed by his daughters: Kimberly Davis of Wamego, Kansas, Sheila Van Dorien of Kingman, Kansas, and April Lord of Kingman, Kansas; six grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Friends may view and register from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday and family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper.

Funeral service is at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2017 at the Norwich First Baptist Church with Pastor Eric Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at the Upchurch Cemetery northwest of Norwich.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Norwich First Baptist Church and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W. 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is in charge of the arrangements.