Ladell Blanton, former director of missions for Bethlehem and Pine Barren Baptist associations, died Oct. 3. He was 85.
Blanton earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, then worked as a research chemist and manager for the Mississippi Chemical Corporation in Yazoo City, Mississippi, from 1961 to 1985. During this time, he felt called to serve the Lord in ministry.
In 1987, Blanton graduated with a master of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained that same year and began serving as student pastor of Myette Point Baptist Mission in Franklin, Louisiana.
Pastoral and associational ministry
He then served as pastor of First Baptist Church Tchula, Mississippi, and First Baptist Church Foxworth, Mississippi.
In 1994, he earned his doctor of ministry from Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia.
From 1999 to 2003, Blanton served as director of missions for Bethlehem and Pine Barren Baptist associations before returning home to Mississippi to serve as pastor for Springdale Baptist Church in West. He later served as interim pastor for McCool Baptist Church and eventually retired from North Union Baptist Church.
Blanton was preceded in death by his first wife, Claudette. He is survived by his second wife, Maryella; daughter, Jean Ann; sons, Michael and Jimmy; stepdaughter, Beth; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
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