William Lawrence Blevins

William Lawrence "Bill" Blevins, a devoted family man, veteran, and longtime resident of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on October 5, 1930, in Grand Junction to Willis and Lotus Blevins, Bill lived a life marked by service, faith, and love for his family and community. 

Bill was born and raised in Grand Junction, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. As a youth, he was actively involved in 4-H, showing pigs and cows, and even exhibited his prized pigs at the state fair. He had a beloved horse named Tony. Bill graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1949. 

Following high school, Bill answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. His naval career began with basic training in San Diego, California, followed by advanced training in Norfolk, Virginia, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Bill's service took him across the globe, including deployments to Japan, North Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Aden, Greece, Italy, France, and Gibraltar. 

During his time in the Navy, Bill served aboard a destroyer and spent five months on a Mediterranean cruise. His dedication and exemplary conduct earned him several medals and awards, including the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Navy Occupation Service Medal. Bill was honorably discharged on July 25, 1955. 

While roller skating in his youth, Bill quite literally caused Margaret Bilbrey to "fall for him." Their relationship blossomed through square dancing, and on October 28, 1951, Bill and Margaret were united in marriage. This union, which lasted 72 years, was blessed with four daughters: Charlene (Glenn Gardner), Connie (Daniel Tyree), Lori (Mike Rogers), and Karen (Bill Achilles). 

Bill took pride in his growing family, which expanded to include 12 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his beloved family, creating lasting memories through fishing trips, camping adventures, and four-wheeling excursions. 

After his naval service, Bill returned to Grand Junction and worked for his father at the Blevins Denning Lumber Company. Later, he and his father owned a paint store called Freeway Supply. For 27 years, Bill served his community as a dedicated employee of the Mesa County Road Department. 

Bill's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He and Margaret were saved at Faith Baptist Church in the fall of 1955, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment. Bill was an active member of Pear Park Baptist Church and spent 17 years at Galilee Baptist Church, where he served in various leadership roles including deacon, Sunday School superintendent, youth director, and treasurer. He and Margaret were dedicated to youth ministry, regularly serving as counselors at youth camps. 

Bill was a man of many interests. He loved the great outdoors, particularly fishing, camping, and four-wheeling. He was skilled in woodworking and took pride in building his own workshop. Bill and Margaret enjoyed traveling, taking memorable trips to Alaska and Hawaii, and visiting their children in Washington. In his younger years, Bill was also involved in square dancing with 4-H, a pastime that held special memories of his courtship with Margaret. 

Known for his kind heart, steadfast faith, and infectious sense of humor, Bill touched countless lives throughout his 93 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Lotus Blevins, and his sisters, Wilda Ray and Verla Carthel. Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion that will be cherished by all who knew him. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pear Park Baptist Church on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 10:30 am, followed by an Honors Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to HopeWest Hospice of Grand Junction at https://www.hopewestco.org/donate/.