Dennis Wayne Blanton went to be with his Lord on the 14th of April 2025, after a short illness, at the age of 81. He was born to Dennis “Doc” Benjamin and Wilma Marie Lesak Blanton on the 21st of July 1943 in Victoria, Texas.
Dennis attended Nazareth Academy in first grade and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1961. He had many fond memories from his days in high school, especially with his friends and the Marian Brothers who taught him. He attended Victoria College. Dennis began his singing career at the age of 6 with a solo performance at the St. Joseph School Auditorium. In high school and college, he played the trumpet and the French horn. “Excelling in the musical field, he was a band member throughout his high school years. Drum Major was the position bestowed upon this talented student in his senior year.” – Excelsior-1961. While in College, he was also involved as a tenor in the choir and, years later, was a member of the Civic Chorus for many years.
Dennis and Roxana Salinas were married by Father Joseph Hybner in St. Mary’s Catholic Church on April 21, 1981. Their two attendants were their respective friends, Bill and Mary Joseph.
While at St. Mary’s Church, he directed the choir and the congregation downstairs. Dennis was a beloved member of the local Catholic Charismatic Renewal Choir and its director.
Years later, Dennis and Roxana became members of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory and members of Mary’s Canticle Choir.
Dennis’s love of music will be long remembered as he listened and knew an abundance of songs including their lyrics and each instrumental note. His love of classical music, the names of the composers, the arrangements, symphonies, and each note was phenomenal. Dennis had over a 200 LP record collection which he began collecting in junior high. Can you guess what his hobby was?
He was an avid fan of college football games and had an enormous knowledge of players and coaches going back many years. He also loved college baseball and Little League, which brought to mind his unwavering attendance at all his grandchildren’s baseball games and sporting events.
Dennis will be remembered by his family and friends for his joking, teasing and quick wit, for the love of Lord, his family, his music, and for the love of his maternal grandmother, Mary Tomas Lesak, who nurtured his love of the Catholic faith and by that instilled his love of God. He always remembered her walking many blocks on Laurent St to attend Holy Mass at Our Lady of Victory.
Dennis had a great love for his children and grandchildren and especially a love for his lovely wife, Roxana.
He is survived by his wife, Roxana S. Blanton; sons Bradley (Becky) Blanton of Victoria, Craig (Carrie) Blanton of Gonzales; stepdaughter Graciela Gonzalez of Victoria; stepson Jaime Gonzalez of Victoria; sister Janis Marie (J.G.) Hrncir of Moravia; eight grandchildren, Amanda Blanton, Tyler Blanton (Kalin), Hayley Laredo (Patrick), Bryce Blanton, Colton Lindsey (Sydney), Brooke Grossman(Gary), Brayden Blanton (Annie), Brock Blanton; seven great grandchildren, Mason Nations, Zoey Shaw, Laynie Laredo, Elsie Blanton, Carter Grossman, Aiden Grossman, Emmitt Grossman; step-grandchildren, John Flynn, Anthony Gonzalez, Diago Gonzalez and Gabriel Gonzalez; great step-grandchild, John Flynn Jr. and Saylor Riojas; two nieces, Cindy Tripp (Dan) and Jacqueline Hrncir and four nephews, Benjamin Parker, Jason Hrncir, Thadeous Parker and Joshua Parker.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Linda Sue Parker.
Pallbearers are Ronnie Albrecht, Bernard Kloesel, Jerry Pavlicek, Ed Kainer, Danny Saenz, Fred Kloesel, Deacon Jim Koenig and David Pozzi.
Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Mehran Nezhad, Dr. Faisal Khan, Dr. Samuel Copeland, Dr. Hirsch Kumar, Dr. Robin E. Adams, Tyler Blanton, Colton Lindsey, Bryce Blanton, Brayden Blanton, Brock Blanton, and Jaime Gonzalez.
A special thank you to Citizens Hospital, MICU nurses and staff for providing wonderful care of Dennis during his stay at the hospital.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 10 AM at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory a rosary will recited prior to the mass. Inurnment will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum.
Memorial donations may be made in Dennis’s name to St. Joseph High School or The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory.
To share a fond memory of words of comfort, visit www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
