David Ray Blevins

David Ray Blevins, 49, of Stapleton, died Sept. 12, 2009, at the Nebraska Heart Institute.
He was born on Dec. 27, 1959, in North Platte to Byron and Esther (Fablinger) Blevins.
Dave graduated from Arnold High School in 1978 and then continued on to Chadron State College, receiving his degree in 1983. While in college he met Jody Ripley. They were married on July 22, 1983. The couple lived in Chadron until graduation, then they moved to Stapleton where Dave substitute taught and helped on the family ranch.
Dave took a full time teaching position in Stapleton teaching second grade. He taught second grade for 19 years, moving to Kindergarten for the past six years. He was very active as a basketball, track, volleyball, football coach and loved to watch his players succeed.
Dave will be remembered for his beautiful singing voice, which he shared with many people at funerals, weddings and special events. One of Dave's greatest loves was watching his boys, sports and activities. He was looking forward to seeing his son Brian's football team play this year, as well as traveling to spend time with Brad and Tyler.
He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, which was passed down to his children. Dave was always thinking of his family and students ahead of himself and will truly be missed by his family, friends and community.
Survivors include his wife, Jody of Stapleton; three sons, Brian (Kelsea Jones) of Stapleton, Brad of Ft. Collins, Colo., Tyler of Lincoln; a daughter, Angie (Mike); granddaughter, Makayla Lyon all of Fort Knox, Ky.; his mother, Esther of Arnold; two brothers, Gary (Kelli) Blevins of Arnold, Bob Blevins of Stapleton; aunts and uncles, Don and Lila Blevins of Stapleton, Lucy Johnson of Stapleton, Frances Long of North Platte, and Edgar Hubbell of Gandy; nieces and nephews, Jaime Blevins of Hastings, Kali Blevins of Arnold, Brandi (Kent) Debus of Mitchell, Tianna and Teegan Debus of Mitchell, Brody (Felecia) Staman of Mitchell, and Shani Rae Staman of Mitchell; Parents-in-laws, Claire and Maxine Ripley of Aladdin, Wyo.; and sister-in-law, Judy Staman of Mitchell.
He was preceded in death by his father Byron, a nephew, Brent Dale Blevins, and a niece, Felicia Blevins.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Stapleton High School with the Rev. Bob Anderson officiating. Burial will be in the McCain Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stapleton Presbyterian Church. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family will be setting up a memorial in Dave's name to the Stapleton Public School. Online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.