Gene Blevins passed away on March 8, 2015 at the age of 84. He was born July 19, 1930 in Maywood, CA. to RJ Blevins and Ruby L Hicklin who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara “Marsh” Blevins, sister Maarvelle Bekemeier of Branson, MO., daughter Debra Johnson and husband, Steve of Halltown, MO., son Jimmy and wife, Marty of Pierce City, MO, daughter, Diane Barness of Springfield, MO. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren and 10 great—grandchildren.
Gene loved to play football and did so at JJC in Joplin, MO and PSU in Pittsburg, KS., also boxing and won the Golden Gloves tournament in Joplin, MO., in 1949. He joined the Navy during the Korean War and served 4 years with duty stations in Treasure Is, CA., USS Yorktown and Island of Guam. He was a charter member and helped establish the Kingsway Christian Church in Mt. Vernon, MO., serving as elder and bible school teacher for several years. Served in the Eldership of the First Christian Church of Seminole, FL. He also enjoyed serving in the Livingston Church of Lutz, FL., and served as a member of the Sunset Church of Christ of Springfield, MO. Gene along with his father Ray, brother, Dale and brother in law, Charles Bekemeier established Blevins Asphalt Construction Company of Mt. Vernon, MO. He loved to fly his own plane, but was unable to continue after heart surgery in 1972. He liked to take his boat fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and loved to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a season ticket holder for 21 years, highlighted by their Super Bowl season. Gene was most proud to be a Christian and always tried to be honest, never knowingly lying and to see the best in his fellowman.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 1:00 p.m.to 2:00 p.m. in Sunset Church of Christ, Springfield, MO., with service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery, Mt. Vernon MO. Services are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South. In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Camp Barnabas.