Thompson 340613

Cliffside, June 13 — The beautiful Christian personality of Lawrence Blanton is very real to me as I am enshrouded by the conceptions of clouded horizons. That is the one thing which does not confuse. It is tangible and it is with me today.

Twenty-six years old Jack Blanton, former lightweight boxer, was my pal; he was near and dear to me. Only a few weeks ago in this column appeared a paragraph regarding this princely fellow. We wrote that paragraph in sincere admiration of Lawrence Blanton and as is characteristic of him, direct to the writer he came in his own honest, truthful and admirable style, to tell us how he appreciated the expression. Never failing in his acknowledgement he always told us of his appreciation as he did of all his numerous friends.

Jack Blanton was the truest friend this writer has ever known. Such an unreasonable thought that he is gone; the realization of it just does not come; that he must be gone just does not seem right; the reality of it all can not be grasped by one who loved Lawrence Blanton.

I am inclined to talk of Jack, as he was known formerly in boxing, since we were with him in many of his contests and knew how honestly he once wanted to establish a boxing career. A cleaner sportsman has never entered any field of contest. As a gentleman he was a Christian. His life has a great significance for me. In talking with him six weeks ago he said of his boxing career. “Well, F. C., sometimes our disappointments turn out for the best. I see now that it was best that I did not continue boxing”. This was said more for the encouragement of the writer as I had mentioned my disappointment of missing the Army Air Corps examination a few years ago. His thought was really one of encouragement toward his fellowman.

He has always been with the church work of the community—he was a Christian gentleman; what a goal for any man! With church and community activities he worked even more diligently than he had followed his scientific boxing routine. Everyone loved him; everyone knew him in daily life—the same Jack Blanton always!

It is the wish of Mrs. Lawrence Blanton to express through this column her deep appreciation and grateful acknowledgement of the many letters of condolence which came through the mails. Because the cards are not available of so many who brought flowers and called, it will be impossible to acknowledge all of them. Mrs. Blanton, however, wishes to tender this public expression of her sincere appreciation to all of you.