Obituary of Michael Edward Blanton

Michael "Mike" Edward Blanton received his heavenly homecoming on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Mike was born in Fort Bragg, NC on April 9, 1962, to Edward "Ed" Blanton and Phyllis Rose (Osborne) Kirk. Mike grew up in Heuter Hollow (A.K.A. "the Holler"), in Portsmouth, Ohio. He played basketball and baseball for Clay High School and graduated in May of 1980. Mike and Rev. Andrea "Andi" Marin met at Mount Vernon Nazarene College, in Ohio. They graduated from MVNC on May 21, 1991. Mike was the first in his family to graduate with a college degree. Mike and Andi were married on December 28, 1991. On April 1, 1995, Mike began working for the USPS as a Mail Carrier and proudly served in that capacity for 26 years, until his passing. Mike loved God, his family and serving the children and youth in his church. He partnered in ministry with Andi for 20 years. Mike loved to play and watch sports. He was a lifelong fan of University of North Carolina Tarheel Basketball. Mike is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Andi, their Daughter, Jordan Marina-Rose Blanton (27), their Son, Cody Michael Blanton (23), Sisters, Gina Burchett (Bill), Kathy Blanton, Uncle, Wayne Osborne (Gwen) of Portsmouth, Ohio. Father-in-law, Soonie Marin, Mother-in-law, Yolanda Marin, Sister-in-law, Julie Marin, Brother-in-law, Ed Marin of Phoenix, AZ and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Ed Blanton and Phyllis Rose Kirk. Celebration of Life Service to be held on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 4 P.M. at Tempe Church of the Nazarene, 3929 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chandler First Church of the Nazarene, Children's Ministries, 301 N. Hartford St., Chandler, AZ, 85225. Online condolences can be given at www.samfhaz.com.