Pat Martinson posted on November 02, 2009 21:39
Longtime Omaha Sports Club member and the 1975 OSC Man of the Year, Roger Blanton, passed away this week. It is appropriate here to share our stories about someone who gave so much to the club. 
As I often sat with Roger Blanton, Ed Lenz and Jim Graver at Spring Lake Golf Course, I heard them tell some great stories about OSC in the past 40 years. Roger had actively participated in softball, golf, bowling, trips, events and parties. You may have seen him at the Annual Affair this year. As in most years, the older gentleman with the sandy hair and horn-rimmed glasses, congratulated officers and Man & Woman of the Year recipients.
Roger golfed and bowled the last several years. He golfed at Spring Lake and LaVista Falls this year, although sometimes he was too ill to complete play. At Western Bowl, you could find him checking his Keno numbers on the boards. He managed to play a few nights this season, still carrying a 164 average.
At darts on Monday, several members shared their remembrances of Roger. As a softball player, Roger would hit consistently and effectively to right field even though everyone shifted to right field to catch his ball. Others talked about his birthday golf outings, which he sponsored for many years. There are more stories to share, and others to share them.
Roger embodied the Omaha Sports Club: A long-time, participating member who year after year supported the club in every way possible. I know my limited experience in the club does not do him justice, but I have only known him for 20 years. He will be missed. Go with God, Roger, and rest in peace.
Please feel free to share your remembrances of Roger.
Pat Martinson