Ronald Blanton

Ronald Dale "Ron" Blanton, 68, of Casa Grande died on Oct. 25, 2012, at Casa Grande Regional Medical Center.
The graveside service will be at 9 a.m. Thursday in Mountain View Cemetery, with Monsignor Ed Meulemans officiating.
Mr. Blanton was born on Oct. 7, 1944, in Shelby, N.C., to John and Helen Blanton while his father was serving with the Marine Corps in the South Pacific during World War II. He attended an air show at age 5 and became interested in aviation. While in college he would get one hour of flight instruction whenever he could put together $10. He obtained a private pilot certificate in 1966. Despite having a college deferment, he volunteered for the draft and for Army airborne training. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star for meritorious service.
He later obtained a commercial pilot certificate and trained pilots from all over the world in basic, advanced and multi-engine flying and aerobatics. In June 1971 he married his longtime girlfriend, June Somegustava from Sacaton. He moved around and flew for Gulf & Western, Volkswagen of America, American International Group and a large Wall Street investment firm. He continued to advance and learn new skills and served as a captain on multiple fix-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. He flew to various points around the globe and enjoyed it all. He retired from corporate aviation in 2008 as a department manager and director of operations. He logged 14,750 hours of flight time.
He was an avid motorcycle rider since age 15. In his 50s, he had a stint racing vintage motorcycles on road courses with the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. He raced on tracks at Daytona, Fla., Talladega, Ala., Loudon, N.H., Savannah, Ga., and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Ronald W. Blanton of Charlotte, N.C.; and a brother, Stephen Blanton of Bluffton, S.C. He was preceded in death by a brother, John R. Blanton.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Ira H. Hayes Legion Post 84, P.O. Box 186, Sacaton, AZ 85147; Legion Auxiliary Unit 84, P.O. Box 1955, Sacaton, AZ 85147; or a charity of the donor's choice.
J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements