Edward Spencer Blanton

Born April 25, 1948, Edward Spencer Blanton grew up in Georgetown, Texas with his father Graves Blanton, his mother Katherine Blanton, and his sister Bonnie Stewart. While attending Georgetown High School, he worked at a radio station as a disk jockey on the weekends. He went on to receive a B.A. in Radio-Television-Film from TCU and worked for Channel 7 in Austin for a short time. Early on in his job, he fell asleep while monitoring a nighttime movie reel and, needless to say, his RTVF career was cut short. It didn't cause him a moment's grief. He later worked as a motorcycle mechanic at Spring Branch Honda in Houston, which suited him much better. His passion for motorcycles carried into Enduro racing and then into the police force, when he worked motors with the Austin Police Department. As a peace officer, he started at the University of Texas and later joined APD. He loved his time on patrol and spent much of his 24-year career in motors before being promoted to detective. When he retired at the end of 2005, Ed knew he wanted to stay busy and eventually found himself reunited with an old friend, who he had hired at the Houston Honda shop years before. In a convenient twist of fate, his friend decided to hire Ed to work with him in the IT department at Honda in Austin. It was about time Ed put his "geek" skills to use. He was an early believer in computers and even insisted on buying a 1984 Apple desktop for his daughter when she was only one (perhaps this was a gift for dad?) and it cost more than $2, 000. Things you may not have known about Ed: • He had his pilot's license and even had his own Cessna-172. This was hereditary, since his maternal grandfather had been a pilot himself. • He was always up for trying new hobbies, from building model cars and airplanes to whittling to kayaking. • He loved Isaac Asimov novels and subscribed to a number of scientific and computer magazines. • Considering his rough exterior, you'd never know he had a soft spot for stray cats. • Colorado was his home away from home, and although he planted his roots in Austin, he found his way back to the mountains several times a year. Above all else, the thing Ed was best at was being a father. He supported his daughter, Laura, from afar for years; he even racked up enough Delta frequent flyer miles from their visits to go to Europe. He was dedicated to providing her with all the love, wisdom, and affection that a daughter could ask for. She finally moved back to Austin nine months ago, and the time they spent together was invaluable. Ed passed away April 13, 2008, at the age of 59 after a 2 ½ year battle with an undiagnosed, recurring illness. Many doctors worked tirelessly to treat him, and he remained hopeful throughout his fight. Please take consolation in knowing he was spared from a long, rough road ahead. His intelligence, sense of humor, and good-natured attitude will be missed by all. Memorial Service The memorial service will be held Saturday April 19, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pavilion in Remembrance Gardens 4214 N Capital Texas Hwy, Austin TX 78746 *Turn right after entering *Follow signs to Office, you will see entrance to Gardens Luncheon Reception immediately following Memorial Service at County Line 5204 Ranch Road 2222 Austin, TX 78731 (512) 346-3664 In lieu of flowers, please help support one of Ed's favorite charities by donating to the Humane Society.