Esmond Edward "Ed" Blanton, 67, of Mount Dora, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019, at Advent
Health Waterman Hospital in Tavares.
Ed was an oral surgeon in Leesburg for more than 25 years, having started his practice there in
1989. A graduate of the University of Florida, Ed completed dental school at the Medical
College of Virginia in Richmond, Va., before joining the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he
completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center in
Honolulu. In retirement the past few years, Ed was an avid amateur photographer and loved
photographing birds. He also loved to travel and had a passion for food and cooking. He
endeared himself to those who knew him with his mischievous sense of humor and unending
curiosity.
He is survived by his longtime friend, Gary Wade; two sons, Colin Blanton of Tavares and Justin
Blanton of Redwood City, Calif.; a sister, Judy Staten of Lake City; a brother, Tommy Blanton of
Lake City; a niece, Wendy Jacobowitz; and two nephews, John Staten and Bruce Staten.
The family will hold private services Thursday, July 11, at Allen J. Harden Funeral Home in Mt.
Dora.