E. Michael “Mike “Tommy” Blanton, 66, of Galion, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Life Care Ohio’s Hospice. He was born to the late Chester “Taterbug” and Helen (Conley) Blanton on January 14, 1959, in Marion, Ohio.
Mike graduated from Northmor High School before proudly serving four honorable years in the United States Army. After completing his military service, he went on to build a long and dedicated career as a welder with Transco Railway, where he worked with skill and commitment for nearly 25 years.
Mike found peace and purpose in the simple things, especially in the yard he had cared for like a work of art. There was something sacred to him about freshly cut grass, perfectly trimmed edges, and the quiet satisfaction of stepping back to admire the work he’d done with his own hands. His yard wasn’t just a yard; it reflected his patience, pride, and love for making things just a little better than he found them.
His love of cars was another defining piece of who he was. Building his race car from scratch was not just a hobby; it was a masterpiece of determination, skill, and pure joy. The thrill of the engine roaring to life, the smell of fuel, the rush of speed-those were the moments when he felt most alive. And when he wasn’t working on the real thing, he was adding to his ever-growing collection of model cars, each one chosen with the same care and appreciation he gave to everything else he loved.
He had a gift for getting the last laugh, often delivering a perfectly timed joke or a playful remark that left everyone else shaking their heads and smiling long after the moment had passed.
Left to cherish Mike’s memory are his siblings, Robert (Kay) Blanton of Gate City, Virginia, Pam (Tom) Plaster of Bucyrus, Patty Earnest of Crestline, Elda (Dick) Shoup of Galion, Brenda (Tim) Pruner of Crestline, his uncle, Charles Smith of Hillard, and lots of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, friends and family.
Along with his parents, Mike is preceded in death by his brother, Paul Edward.
Memorial contributions can be made out to Life Care Ohio’s Hospice in Wooster in honor of Mike.
Those wishing to share a memory of Mike or send condolences to the Blanton family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., is honored to serve the family of E. Michael “Mike” “Tommy” Blanton.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion
Website: www.masfh.com