Milfred J. Blevins

Milfred “Papa” Blevins, Sr., 78, of Benton Harbor, went home to be with the Lord on May 4, 2010 in Benton Harbor. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday at Red Arrow General Baptist Church, 3176 Red Arrow Hwy., Benton Harbor with Rev. Don Deruyscher, Rev. Shannon Truelove, Rev. Richard Kiser and Rev. Archie Lhamon officiating. Burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery of Augusta, Michigan. Friends may visit from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Salem Missionary Baptist Church or In House Hospice of Kalamazoo. Those wishing to sign Milfred's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Milfred was born August 16, 1931 in Newnada, Arkansas to Clarence and Mayme Blevins. He grew up in Arkansas until he was 14 years old. He then moved to Benton Harbor with his family and had since then been a lifelong resident. Milfred married the love of his life Katherine on June 11, 1953. He was a United States Army Veteran. He served in the army from 1950-1955, and served in the Korean War for 18 months. Milfred worked for 18 years at Twin City Cab Lines, a couple of years at Yerington Construction, and later worked as a mechanic at Superior Builders for many years. Milfred began preaching in 1982 and became an ordained minister in 1994 at Salem Missionary Baptist Church, which became his second home. Milfred really enjoyed fishing. He also loved reading the bible, preaching the gospel, and leading people to the lord. He had a special love for everyone, and loved doing anything and everything with his family and friends. Milfred's greatest joy was his family, which includes his wife Katherine of Benton Harbor; two sons, Milfred, Jr. “Buddy” and his wife Denise of Eau Claire and Daniel and his wife April of Harford; three daughters, Vickie and her husband Ronald of Buchanan, Kathy and her husband Terry of Bridgman and Melody and her husband David of Benton Harbor; thirty-one Grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren; one brother Conrad Blevins of Arkansas; three sisters Marylee Nance of Arkansas, Sue Pasley of Florida and June Collins of Colorado. g with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Mayme Blevins; one sister Marie Ward; one brother Horace Blevins and one great-grandson Jordan Vawter. Milfred was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is now forever our guardian angel.