Joe Douglas Blanton's Obituary
Joe Douglas Blanton, 75, of Claude, Texas, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Memorial services are pending.
Cremation and arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors.
Joe was born on February 11, 1951, in Fort Worth, Texas, and was adopted by Russell and Evelyn (Bagwell) Blanton. A lifelong resident of Claude, he graduated from Claude High School before continuing his education at Clarendon College.
On July 12, 1979, Joe married the love of his life, Sheryl Annette (Pettit) Blanton, in Claude. Together they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage until Sheryl's passing on February 23, 2023. They built a life centered on faith, family, and the land they loved, raising two children, Toni and Russell.
Ranching was more than Joe's occupation—it was his way of life. He began working alongside his father on the family ranch as a young boy, learning the values of hard work, responsibility, and stewardship of the land. At the age of 26, he assumed responsibility for the family operation and spent the rest of his life caring for the ranch and the cattle that meant so much to him. Long days, early mornings, calving season, checking fences, working cattle, and tending the land were never chores to Joe; they were simply part of who he was. He took great pride in the ranch he built and maintained, finding satisfaction in an honest day's work and the enduring traditions of the ranching life.
Above all else, Joe was devoted to his family. He worked tirelessly to provide for them and cherished the time they spent together. He also treasured the friendships he made throughout Armstrong County and beyond. Joe never met a stranger, and a quick trip to the grocery store often turned into a lengthy visit with an old friend. He loved to cut up, swap stories, and visit with anyone willing to share a conversation. His quick wit, easy smile, and genuine interest in others made him a friend to many.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Sheryl Annette Blanton; his parents, Russell and Evelyn Blanton; and his brother-in-law, Timothy Pettit.
He is survived by his daughter, Tonya "Toni" Renee Blanton of Amarillo; his son, Russell Loyal Blanton of Claude; his brothers-in-law, Donny Loyal Pettit and wife Tammye June Pettit, and Ricky Pettit and wife Vicki Lee Pettit; four grandchildren, Preston Chase Thomas, Macy Mackenzie Thomas, Abigail Lee Miller, and Maxx Nathaniel Penton; and four great-grandchildren, Hudson Lee Thomas, Theodore William Thomas, Tanis Rae Thomas, and Alice Jean Thomas.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to High Plains Food Bank, P.O. Box 31803, Amarillo, TX 79120 or donate online at https://www.hpfb.org/ ; or the DT & Joan King Foundation, 2500 S. Coulter St., Suite 118, Amarillo, TX 79106 or online at https://www.dtandjoankingfoundation.com/
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