Harry M. Blevins

PERRYVILLE - Harry M. Blevins of Perryville entered into eternal rest on September 17, 2022 at the age of 90. He was born in Fredericktown, Missouri on April 27, 1932 to the late Leander and Edna Mae (Ferguson) Blevins. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by six brothers, Millard, Buford, Frank, David, Bob and Russell Blevins; and his sister, Bernice Kelley. Harry grew up in Crossroads in Madison County, Missouri and later the family moved to St. Louis. He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 19 and proudly served his country during the Korean conflict. Upon his return from the military, he met a young lady, Opal Stam, at the Casino Roller Skating Rink in Farmington. They fell in love and were married in Farmington where they began a long life together. In the fall of 1955, he went to Missouri University to learn the linotype machine for typesetting. He then embarked on a newspaper career first with the Daily Journal at Flat River then he also worked at the Farmington Press as well. In 1969 the family moved to the Springfield, Missouri area where Harry worked for the Springfield NewsLeader. Later on, Harry moved on to work for the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Finally Harry changed careers and became a realtor until his retirement. Being an industrious man and a creative thinker, in his retirement he enjoyed pursuing various business ventures that he dreamed of. A faithful member of the Nazarene Faith, he had been a member of the Esther, Springfield and Ferguson Nazarene Churches. He was also an avid reader of current events. Spending cherished time with his family was his foremost passion. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Opal Lee (Stam) Blevins; seven children, Paula (Phil) Brockwell, Carol (Scott) Sullivan, Mark (Christine) Blevins, Terry (Patricia) Blevins, Mike (Dana) Blevins, Jon (Amy) Blevins and Chris (Kara) Blevins; twenty-one grandchildren; thirty-five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Elijah Blevins and Amos Blevins; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation will be held at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Monday, September 26, 2022 from 6 8 p.m. with an American Legion service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday beginning at 8 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel with Pastor Joe Pogue officiating. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Memorials, if desired, may be made in Harrys name to the Disabled American Veterans or the American Cancer Society. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Monday, September 26, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Funeral Service Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Tuesday, September 27, 2022 10:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640