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BORN
1938
DIED
2023
Arthur Blevins Obituary
URBANA - Arthur Sanford Blevins Jr., 85, of Urbana passed away Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, in Urbana.
Art was born on May 13, 1938, to Arthur Sanford Blevins Sr. and Helen Marie Ludgate Blevins, who preceded him in death. Art had one brother, William Roger Blevins of Parker, Colo., who preceded him in death. Art married Beverly Rose Sweeney of East St. Louis on Sept. 6, 1958. Beverly preceded him in death in March 2003.
Art is survived by two children, Arthur S. Blevins III (Victoria) of Champaign and Lacie Lyn Jeffers of Urbana; four grandchildren, Cori Lyn Bryant (Philip) of Tuscola, Juan Palacio of Champaign, Elisa Darmstaedter (Geoff) of Bloomington and Sara Palacio of Champaign; and seven great-grandchildren.
Art's first real job was on the Illinois Central Railroad as a brakeman. He was about to be drafted into the military and decided to enlist in the Army instead. He attended flight school and became a helicopter pilot. He flew in Korea and in the Third Transportation Brigade in Washington, D.C., where he flew for the Pentagon. He received the Army Commendation Medal. He was given an honorable discharge on Aug. 18, 1967.
After returning to civilian life, Art went into the insurance business. He ended up working in his own State Farm Agency in Champaign for 30 years. Art was also a licensed unity teacher through the Unity Village Chapel in Kansas City, Mo. After retirement, Art and Bev traveled the country before finding their second home in Pine Island, Fla.
Art was an entrepreneur of all sorts. He owned a sandblasting and vinyl sign business out of Pine Island, Fla. Upon returning to Illinois, Art enjoyed painting and sketching, mainly as a hobby, but eventually placing some paintings in the Gilbert Gallery in Urbana.
Art also enjoyed playing cards around the community with good friends. Art spent many mornings sharing breakfast with friends at an Urbana restaurant. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he has touched.
A Celebration of Life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church, 801 S. Fifth St., Champaign, with a luncheon immediately following. Please feel free to dress casually.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Blevins
1 Entry
Steve and Jeane Murray
September 22, 2023
We are sorry to hear of Art´s passing. Art held a special place for us as he was the officiant at our son and future daughter-in-law´s wedding. Our thoughts are with you.
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