Steven J. Blanton, 65

Steven J. Blanton, 65, passed on Nov. 25, 2014.

He was born to Melvin and Star Blanton in Chicago on Aug. 18, 1949.

Steve grew up in the Chicago suburbs with mom, dad, brother Mel, and sister Diane.

Steve enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967. While doing recon in the tunnels under Chu Lai, Vietnam, he was critically injured by a land mine and was ultimately evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Doctors advised that he use the gravitational force of walking to keep unremoved shrapnel from damaging vital organs, thus his name “Walkin Steve.”

Before moving to Montana, Steve completed his degree in applied behavioral science at George Williams College in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Walkin’ Steve has been a part of the Canyon legacy since the early ‘70s. Steve was kind, respectful, and he recognized the basic humanity in every one of us. We will miss our friend.

He is survived by his brother Mel Blanton, and sister Diane Blanton, both of Illinois.

A celebration of Walkin’ Steve’s life will take place at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 10, at the Southfork Saloon in Martin City.