Darrell Lee Blanton, age 88, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away at his residence on Saturday, October 28, 2023. He was born in Fort Wayne on August 21, 1935 to the late Howard and Olive (née Foster) Blanton. Darrell proudly served our nation in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. Following his service, Darrell would spend over three decades in banking, retiring as President and Chief Operating Officer for Summit Bank which saw five mergers and acquisitions. He served on the Board of Directors for Summit Bank and their affiliates, as well as Parkview Hospital, The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, the Better Business Bureau, YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, Consumer Credit Counseling Services and United Way. His passion and dedication to community service also included the Fort Wayne Planning Commission, Fort Wayne Housing Authority, Parkview Hospital and Foundation, South Side High School Foundation and Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne serving in many capacities including President, Chairman, and Treasurer.
Darrell was an avid Indiana University sports fan and had many passions and interests including fishing, golf, travel and vacationing in Sanibel, Fla.; he was a fifty-year member of the Sol D. Bayless Lodge No. 359 and Valley of Fort Wayne Scottish Rite, 32° Freemasons.
Darrell is survived by his loving and devoted wife of sixty-three years, Connie; sons, Curtis (Donna) Blanton and Eric (Karon) Blanton; grandchildren, Erin, Jackson and Tess Blanton; brothers, Robert (Vallory) Blanton and David (Florianna) Blanton; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Richard (Mary) Schnute; and sisters-in-law, Mary Schnute and Jan Jeske.
Funeral Service is 11 am Monday, November 6 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2417 Getz Rd, Fort Wayne with callling one hour prior. Friends and family will also be received 2-5 pm Sunday, November 5, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Parkview Foundation, 3844 New Vision Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46845; Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, 555 E Wayne St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 and Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2417 Getz Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Blanton family.
