The funeral service will be held Saturday December 8th, 2012, at 1:00 P.M., at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral home on 870 San Benito Street in Hollister, CA 95023. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Almanor Fishing Association or Clovis Babe Ruth Baseball in care of Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home. Visit: www.grunnagle.com for condolences
Donnie Robert Blanton passed away at his home in Clovis on Sunday, December 2, 2012, at the age of 46. Donnie was born in Watsonville, CA, February 26, 1966 to Donald Blanton and Billie Alexander Blanton.
He was raised in Salinas attending Loma Vista Elementary and Palma High School where he discovered his passion for baseball. Donnie went on to play for Hartnell College and then transferred to Fresno State to concentrate on a college degree in Agricultural Business and later graduate in 1990.
Donnie’s passion and love for baseball led him to coaching (as well as V.P. of Clovis Babe Ruth) where he excelled in teaching not only the art of the game but also how to appreciate success and most importantly rebound from adversity. He had a true love for the game and his competitive, youthful presence carried over not only to his sons but to all of those around him. Donnie truly enjoyed the game whether it was little league, college ball or his beloved San Francisco Giants. He especially enjoyed their recent success and couldn’t wait for the start of the 2013 season.
Donnie was also an avid fisherman dating back to his childhood trips with deceased grandparents Preston and Dixie Blanton. He was most at peace out on the lake (and especially Lake Almanor) with his family and the many fishing trips he shared with his deceased father-in-law, Steve Hailstone.
Donnie is survived by his loving wife Amanda of 25 years; lovingly remembered by his daughter Stephanie and sons Nicholas and Matthew; parents Donald and Billie Blanton; grandfather Bill Alexander; brothers Brian (Sylvia), Steve and Brett (Amy); mother-in-law, Lenore Hailstone; sisters Melanie (Jeff) and Mikelea (Scott) and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
