Wade Blevins

Guy Wade Blevins, age 84, of Elkins, passed away peacefully Monday, December 9, 2019 at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. Born August 14, 1935 in Dutton, Arkansas, he was the son of Burney Blevins and Fairy Ricketts-Blevins. Wade attended Elkins High School and the University of Arkansas where he obtained a master's degree in industrial education. His early career included logging with his father and as a fire lookout for the Forest Service in Arizona. He taught and coached in Young, Arizona as well as several Arkansas schools including Saint Paul, Elkins, and Farmington. Before returning to teaching at both Berryville and Russellville, he spent numerous years working as a welder, mechanic; and also was self-employed as a farmer, home builder and remodeler. He was a man of many talents and skills. Wade loved all things outdoors and pursued a self-sustaining, simple life that included gardening, working with horses, milling lumber, fishing, and hunting. He loved and took care of his family throughout his life. He was a teacher, mentor, and life coach for many. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marilyn Blevins-Kelly of Phoenix, Arizona and brother Jack of Wichita Falls, Texas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sonja Stokenbury-Blevins; three children, Vickie Kyle and Jeffrey Blevins, both of Elkins, and Jimmy Blevins (Lisa) of Little Rock/Galena, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Ashley Wallis (Matt), Emily Thacker (Dusty), Lainie Turner (Ty), all of Elkins; Dominic Blevins (Taylor), Marissa VanCleave (Tyler), Ricco Blevins and Cassidy Blevins, all of Galena, Kansas; twin great grandsons, Jace and Dakota both of Elkins; brother, Bruce Blevins (Jan) of West Fork and sister Wanda Blevins of Springerville, Arizona, and several other family members and friends. Wade was loved dearly by his family and will be greatly missed. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Elkins Community Church at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tim Gabbard and Mike Tillery officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charitable organization of your choice. Funeral services are under the direction of Elkins Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit www.elkinsfuneralservice.com to leave the family an online condolence.