Dennis Martin Blanton

He was born on December 17, 1953 in Fort Monroe, Va. to the late Amel H. Blanton and Alice Louise Blanton.

Dennis lived an amazing, full life. He graduated from Henrico County PS Vocational Program in 1975, went on to work at Hermitage Enterprises and was employed by Wella Corp in 1989, where he boxed promotional materials on the assembly line. He moved from his family home in Varina and lived with a dear friend in his own apartment supervised by Henrico County Residential Services. Later in life, he enjoyed living at Good Neighbor Village and Heart Havens, both group homes in the Richmond area. He had the opportunity to work and live independently with wonderful support staff. He loved his music, Special Olympics, summer camps, car races, ball games, dancing, and most important, having a party! His sweet smile and love for everyone will be missed by all.

Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Jacque Millar, Kelley Blanton (Susan), Debra Blanton (Lisa), Garry Blanton (Andrea); nieces, Allison Millar Barlow (Duane), Robin Blanton (Tilman), Erin Blanton, Sara Illig (Jason), Cary Ann Seago-Blanton (Drew); nephews, Michael Millar (Katherine), Nicholas Blanton (Alex), Cy Seago-Blanton; great nieces, Louise Millar Barlow, Evie Blanton; great nephews, William Millar Barlow, Nash and Corbin Illig and Conor Millar; aunts, Lois Farr, Edna Stauch; uncle, Wayne Edwards; and a host of extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. 23231, where a memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 12:30 p.m. followed by a reception. Interment will be held prior to the service on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Washington Memorial Park, 6217 Memorial Dr., Sandston, Va. 23150.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heart Havens, hearthavens.org and/or Good Neighbor Village, goodneighborvillage.org/donate.