Calahan Blanton

Calahan Blanton, age 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, surrounded by his children. Born August 12, 1931, to Holbert and Stella (Pennington) Blanton. He lived a life defined by quiet strength, generosity and unwavering love for his family. An ordained minister and charter member of Alder Chapel United Baptist Church, West Jefferson.

He is Preceded in death by his parents, wife of 61 years, Ella (Brown), daughter, Karen Jo Campbell, and grandson, Christopher Calahan Campbell.

Calahan is survived by sons, Bill (Brenda) Blanton of West Jefferson and Doug (Pam) Blanton of Woodstock, daughter, Cathy (Russ) Harless of Orient. Grandchildren Matt (Mandy) Blanton, Ben Blanton of West Jefferson, Greg (Ella) Blanton of Marysville, Jeremy (Alli) Harless of Mt. Sterling, Sarah Beth (Matthew) Miller of West Jefferson, Dillon Blanton of Woodstock. Great Grandchildren Liam Campbell of Columbus, James Harless of Mt. Sterling, Harper and Chloe Blanton of West Jefferson, Stella and Major Miller of West Jefferson. All who will carry his memory forward with love and gratitude. He was known as Great Calahan by Harper. Also survived by his brother, Carmine Blanton, sisters, Mavis Burton, Meda Reese and Mamie Adkins, as well as many nieces and nephews.

His wisdom, warmth and steadfast presence shaped the lives of those around him. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.

Calahan's family will be holding a visitation on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Rader-McDonald-Tidd Funeral Home, 1355 W. Main St., West Jefferson, Ohio, 43162. The visitation will start at 4:00PM and end at 7:00PM.  There will be another short visitation prior to the service the following day, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Alder Chapel United Baptist Church, 8320 Morgan Road, West Jefferson, Ohio, 43162.  The visitation will begin at 10:00AM and end at 11:00AM for the service to begin immediately following at 11:00AM.  Following the service, we will go in procession to Hampton Cemetery.