Raymond Blanton

Raymond Alton Blanton was born November 18, 1953, in DeLeon, TX, the youngest of 3 children born to James Alford & Vida Raynell “Nell” (Woods) Blanton. He passed away peacefully November 3, 2022 at Providence Transmountain Hospital in El Paso, TX with family at his side.

He went to grade school at Sidney, TX where he was popular with his classmates, especially when he and his brother were to carry the gown of their sister who was the Carnival Queen. He got a haircut to be manicured for his role, but the barber shaved a path through his hair, instead of a haircut. Raymond was devastated, knowing he couldn’t carry the gown nor been seen in public. His mother used shoe polish to cover the hair loss, and assured him it would be fine. When he carried the gown and told his story, the girls clung to him like he was a hero, and gave him so much attention, he forgot about his hair.

He graduated from high school in Alpine TX, frequenting the Big Bend area of TX where his family had a ranch. He loved the Big Bend area, where he was at peace, feeling the openness and freedom, which paralleled his personality and spirit.

He operated The Magicians Lighthouse helping other people learn about themselves and their future. He was somewhat of a wizard in his trade, which he loved and had great knowledge of.

His family built, owned and performed at the Flying X Chuckwagon Supper Show in Carlsbad, NM. Raymond enjoyed performing on stage, and managed the band for a time, and also cooked for the Supper Show. He always had an interest in singing, and playing musical instruments. He absorbed the words to the songs he loved.

He was perhaps one of the most flexible people you would ever meet. He could blend in and socialize with all types of people, loving the conversations and interactions he had with them. The other things he loved was friends, family and his pets. He had several cats and dogs over the years, and a burro that replaced the spouse and children he never had.

He enjoyed people and conversation so much, his work revolved around it. He worked at The Stevens Hotel & Restaurant in Carlsbad, for decades where he met many people, and some of his closest friends. He called Carlsbad home for nearly 45 years.

He is survived by his sister Barbara Ann Fowler of Cleburne, TX, brother James David “JD” Blanton and wife Marcy of Purcell, OK, nieces Michelle Hopkins, Jennifer Blanton, Crystal Brooke Blanton-Marrs, nephews Jason Hopkins and Joseph Blanton.

Cousins:
Dan Woods & wife Harriet • Stephen Woods & wife Cheryle
Lavon Woods Gore & husband Ty
Brenda Ross Henderson & husband Ronnie
Kay Hagood & husband Kenneth • Lorrie Ross Shelton
Calvin Ross Jr • Kenneth Mauldin & wife Sharon
Virginia Hicks & husband Ken • James “Jimmy” Davis

He also leaves behind his “Second Family” Jimmy Marlin, Ken Marlin and Laura Marlin, and was proceeded in death by their parents Harry & Vivian Marlin. Plus, many friends he made through his nearly 69 years of life.


He was preceded in death by his parents James & Nell Blanton.

Cousins:
Dianna Gayle Davis • William Davis
Linda Gayle Chandler-Grimes • Jimmy Mauldin
Charlie Shanklin Jr • Kenneth “Buzz” Woods

Uncles:
Darius Blanton
Ralph “Sonny” Woods & wife LaVerne “Bernie”
Bill Davis & wife Wilma “Sissy”
Dwight Chandler & wife Yvonne
Charlie Shanklin Sr & wife Lera “Pete”

Aunts:
Mary Magdalene “Punk” Mauldin & husband Alton
Jessie Ruth “Poochie” Parks
Doris Ross & husband Calvin Sr (& special friend Dale Russell)
Carol Jean Rice & husbands Andrew and Edward Daniel

(If any names were omitted, it was not intentional).