Edwin Lee Blevins

Edwin Lee Blevins (Ed or Eddie), 86, passed away June 27, 2020 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on January 2, 1934 in Foster, Missouri, to Maurice and Hazel Blevins (Hooper).

After graduating with the Class of 1951 at Hume High School, he worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1955. He was soon transferred to Bremerhaven, Germany where he received his Specialist 3rd Class ranking as a radio operator. Before being transferred, he met the woman he would spend the next 63 years of his life with at a Rich Hill Methodist Youth Fellowship function. On October 18, 1956 he married Norma Jean Pope in Bremerhaven. Here, they enjoyed their honeymoon traveling throughout the Alps. From this union, four children were born.

After returning to the States, the couple settled in Columbia, Missouri where Edwin obtained his Bachelors in Business Administration in 1961 while supporting his wife and new baby. After graduation, he went on to work for Montgomery Wards. The experience he gained through several jobs led him to become a partner at United Office Machines. He became the owner and retained this position until his retirement at the age of 58. In 1999, he and Norma built a home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. They became members of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and developed many meaningful friendships with the members of the congregation.

After retirement, he bought a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks where he, his family, and friends enjoyed many weekends. He has always been very generous with this little house at the lake. Another joy of his was traveling with his wife, family, and friends. He loved looking at nature and for nature. Occasionally, he needed to be reminded to keep his eyes on the road, as he looked for antelope on the western Kansas plains during his many family trips to Colorado. One of his proudest accomplishments was learning to snow ski at the age of 60. He took his children and grandchildren skiing every year until he finally put up his skis at the age of 74.

His favorite hobbies were fishing at the lake, golfing, watching sports, and square dancing. One of his favorite sports was basketball. He was always proud that his senior year at Hume Senior High, he was captain of the basketball team that won 21 games in a row. From the late 60's to early 80's it was all about square dancing. He and Norma were members of the Longview United Methodist Twisters Square Dance Club. When his children were young, he enjoyed watching his sons play baseball and watching his daughter sing. Later on in life, it was not uncommon for his brothers-in-law, Ronnie and Russ, and him to catch their daily limits during crappie season. After retirement, he became an avid golfer. There were many days you could find him somewhere on a golf course with his friends or his sons.

His heart grew bigger than ever when his three grandchildren were born. Whether it was watching his eldest grandson wrestle, his granddaughter cheer, or his youngest grandson play in band, nothing made him prouder than being their Grandpa.

As a great provider for his family, he worked hard for everything he wanted to give them. He told many that his greatest worry was leaving his beloved family behind. Edwin was his family’s leader and mentor that was always willing to offer his help, opinion, and advice.

He leaves behind his wife, Norma; two sons, Mitch (Sue) Blevins of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Dwight Blevins of Foster, Missouri; one daughter, Amy (Jerry) Atkinson of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; one sister, Pat Edgman of Lansing, Kansas; three grandchildren, Chris Blevins, Ally Weinel, Parker Atkinson, and one great-granddaughter, Reese Blevins; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Chris Robert Blevins, his brother, two sisters, and his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church 1300 Lexington Road, Pleasant Hill, Missouri on July 11, 2020 at 11:00 am with a short visitation before from 10:00 -11:00 am. CDC recommendations of social distancing and masks are encouraged. Donations to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church may be made in lieu of flowers.