John Blevins

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

John A. Blevins passed away on November 20, 2023 at age 87 surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was born on March 16, 1936 in Joplin, Missouri and moved at age 12 to a farm near Asbury, Missouri with his parents and sister. He graduated from high school at Carl Junction in 1954.

He was active in 4H and FFA when he was young. On the farm, he and his Dad milked cows, planted crops, grew big vegetable gardens, and painted houses. He hauled water to neighbors before rural water became available, and he knew the people in the community. He loved the farm.

John married his wife, Jewell, in 1962 and they celebrated 55 years together before her death in 2018. Jewell was a teacher at Carl Junction. John built a home for them and was a great Dad to their two daughters. He was Jewell’s caregiver and true friend during her illness, giving up much of the farming around that time to take care of her. Together John and Jewell had 4 grandchildren whom he loved well. He was a proud and devoted supporter of his grandkids, attending plays, tennis matches, church programs, and more.

John was a Christian and member of Asbury Baptist Church for most of his life, helping with Sunday School, youth activities, a living nativity, and more. He recently joined Forest Park Baptist church in Joplin where he was able to help in Awana before his illness worsened.

John served with B Company of the 203rd Engineer Battalion Houn' Dawgs of the Missouri National Guard for 22 years and participated in annual training in Germany one year as well as other places in the US. He loved the Guard and enjoyed the people he worked with in the 203rd, and was an active member of the 203rd Retirees Association.

John loved his wife and daughters and he loved his grandkids.

He enjoyed a good yard sale or auction.

He made great pancakes and he was an excellent potato peeler.

He loved ice cream.

He and Jewell enjoyed the senior citizen center in Carl Junction and their friends there.

He loved animals in general and especially his dogs.

He thought he could fix nearly anything on the farm with a little baling wire and a pair of pliers, and he usually could.

He was always willing to help others.

He always took time to talk with acquaintances he ran into around town, and it seemed he never met a stranger.

He enjoyed traveling with his family.

He was the best of listeners for his girls.

And he will be greatly missed.

John was preceded in death by his late wife, Jewell Blevins and by his parents Herbert and Leota Blevins. He is survived by his daughters, Aleta (Phil) Greathouse of Joplin and Sharon (Phil) Gloyer of Joplin, and his grandchildren Emma (Benjamin) Ludwinski, Pierce Gloyer, Tessa (Cooper) Hale, and Jackson Gloyer. He is also survived by his sister Frances Dodd.

John's life will be honored with a visitation at Simpson Funeral Home in Carl Junction on Sunday, November 26, 2023, 3:00-5:00pm. His funeral service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 1:00pm at the same venue. A graveside service will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to his favorite charity, the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, in care of the funeral home.

Funeral services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Carl Junction. The family encourages friends and relatives to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of John and family.