Keith Olin Blanton

Keith was a great friend whose loyalty knew no bounds. He was a constant for his bride of 48 years. Keith and Maureen Saunders married in July of 1977 in Cheyenne, Wyoming after a great pursuit. The stories are many, deep and true. The mischief was real. Those that had the great fortune of knowing Keith well, will miss his jolly laugh and smile that assured you that you never wanted to part company. Keith could be serious and was a quiet hard worker. He did so much for so many – most of whom never knew how things got done. A founding resident of Skyhaven Airpark, Keith was a pilot and aircraft enthusiast. He retired from American Airlines after 32 years as an Aircraft Inspector. His Bellanca Super Viking and his callsign 6709V will be sorely missed. Keith enjoyed his association with the Aircraft Owner Pilot Association (AOPA). As well, he held an Inspection Authorization (IA) Certification, granted to licensed aircraft mechanics by the FAA. Born on a cold day in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Keith was the oldest of ten siblings. He graduated from Lyman High School in Lyman, Nebraska. Keith then trained as an A&P Mechanic at Cheyenne Aerotech in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Before moving briefly to Owasso, Oklahoma in 1988, Keith lived in Fort Laramie, Wyoming and Lyman, Nebraska. In Keith’s desire to pursue his love for flying, he and Maureen bought a lot and built their final residence at Skyhaven Airpark in Collinsville, Oklahoma on the runway. Keith is so very loved by his wife, Maureen; and his Springer Spaniel, Bently; siblings, Lyle Blanton and his wife Liz of Chyenne, WY, Carla Blanton Schmid and her husband Michael of Chyenne, WY, Juanita Blanton Montz and her husband Mike of Alvin, TX, Bryce Blanton of Chyenne, WY, Craig Blanton and his wife Holli of Brownwood, TX, Scott Blanton of Gering, NE, Clyde Blanton and his wife Lisa of Scottsbluff, NE, and Leola Blanton Whisman of Palco, KS; nine nieces and eight nephews. While Keith and Maureen were not blessed with children, they considered Jeanna and Gina Sellmeyer their own. Along with their son, Will, who was their little buddy and who clearly called Keith, Granddad. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Arvin Wesley and Genevieve Chalupa Blanton, his brother, Bart Blanton and brother-in-law, Darren Whisman. Services will be on August 15th at 3:00pm at the Mowery Funeral Home Chapel in Owasso. Beyond flowers, you may consider planting a tree or donating to Ward-Wiseman Animal Haven in Collinsville, Oklahoma or a Springer Spaniel Rescue. Both Keith and Maureen being avid animal lovers. It seems unreal that we will see you no more. This is 6709Victor making final takeoff from Skyhaven Airpark runway with blue skies and strong tailwinds.

Keith Olin Blanton

November 7, 1951 - August 6, 2025