Michael William "Mike" Blanton, 47, of Chesapeake Beach, MD passed away October 3 at his residence after a brief illness. Mike was born September 23, 1964 in Bedford, Ohio to Jacquelyn Diday and Billy R. Blanton.

He grew up in Austin, PA, graduating from Austin High School, class of 1983, and immediately entered the U.S. Navy. He spent most of his Navy career in Italy aboard several ships as a Boatswain's Mate. He returned to the United States in February of 1988 to Bethesda, MD for medical treatment. While recuperating on temporary duty he was assigned to the Navy Legal Service Offices North Central at Washington Naval Yard. While working there he met Donna Cepura Sawyer, who worked for the Naval District Washington, Anacostia Annex. They were married December 11, 1989 and resided in Chesapeake Beach, MD.

Mike was then assigned to the USS Iowa BB61 out of Norfolk, VA. He was aboard the ship on April 19, 1989 when gun turret two exploded, causing the death of many of his shipmates. He retired from active duty on March 22, 1994 due to medical reasons and then started M & D Technology, providing computer sales and repairs, printing and publishing services from his home in Chesapeake Beach, MD. From February 2010 to May 2011 he was an ADP Contractor with the N.S.A. at Ft. Meade. Mike was a member of St. Anthony's Church in North Beach, MD, a life member of the VFW 7950 in Chesapeake Beach, was All State Commander which he attained for several years, a member of the Stallings-William American Legion Post 260 in Chesapeake Beach, and Cooties and the Disabled American Veterans.

Michael is survived by his wife Donna Blanton of Chesapeake Beach, MD; step daughter Janet Morehead; and granddaughters Miranda and Marissa Yost of Huntingtown, MD. He is also survived by his mother Jacquelyn McAfoose and her husband Norman of Austin, PA; sisters Melanee Blanton and Michelle Blanton Valenti and her husband Jesse; nephews Michael and Mason, and nieces Katelyn and Kendra, all of Austin, PA.

Services for Michael are private.

Memorial contributions may be made in Michael's name to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, or online at www.calverthospice.org

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.