Blanton Hammond passed away May 19, 2025 in the home he loved.

Blanton was born February 14, 1929, in Osceola, Missouri, to Thomas and Jewel Hammond. He had 12 siblings and is survived by none. Blanton graduated high school in Osceola in 1947. He moved to Kansas City in 1948 and began working at Sears and Roebuck as a janitor. Later he changed jobs and went to work at Neevel Manufacturing Company as a maintenance technician making luggage, and it was there he met the love of his life, Virginia Villines. They married April 20, 1956, and bought a house in Kansas City. Blanton and Virginia became members of the Eastern Star, and Blanton also became a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. He attended the U.S. Trade School, and he received a certificate in Automobile Body and Fender Repair in 1957. He went to work for Bee-line Service at 12th and Summit in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and he bought the business in 1960. In that same year, they welcomed their first child Cathy Jo.

In 1961, Blanton and Virginia were led to Christ in their home by local pastor Dr. Paul Brewer, and Blanton became an active member of the Assembly of God church. In 1963, Blanton and Virginia welcomed twin girls, Linda and Lisa, and the family moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri. After 38 years in business, he retired in 1998. He leaves behind his three daughters, Cathy (Greg) Cothran (Venice, Florida), Linda (Steven) Smith (Lee’s Summit), and Lisa (Rich) Simpson (Lee’s Summit); four grandchildren, Michael Jenkins (Kayla) of the home, Madeline Smith (Chicago, Illinois), Christine Jenkins and Keegan Smith (Lee’s Summit). He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Virginia, infant son Blanton T. Hammond, Jr., and son-in-law Bob Montgomery.

Services will be held at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit. Visitation: 5-7pm, May 22. Funeral: 10am, May 23.