David Earl Blevens

David Earl Blevens passed away at home on June 4, 2020, after a brave 15-year battle with an outrageously aggressive cancer. He was born September 23, 1946 in La Junta, Colorado, the son of Earl F. Blevens and R. Agnes (Bland) Blevens.

David graduated from La Junta High School with the class of 1964. Following graduation, he began college at Adams State College, later completing his degree at Southern Colorado State College. During college, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathi Barto in 1966.

David began his career with the Santa Fe Railroad in 1965, the year of a serious flood in La Junta, and worked throughout his college days until completing his bachelor's degree. He continued working as a conductor for over 25 years before being named Manager of Operating Practices, first with the Santa Fe and later for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe where he trained hundreds of newly hired BNSF employees. He retired in 2006 with over 40 years of service.

When not working, David enjoyed hunting for and collecting antiques, especially Native American art and pottery. In addition, David enjoyed playing golf, supporting the Koshare Indian Dancers and Museum, the Elks Club, and his special passion, fishing everywhere he could. David and Kathi also enjoyed traveling and took many trips to Mexico and Europe, including Italy where Kathi has numerous relatives. David traveled 15 summers to Alaska to fish for salmon, and he coordinated many of those trips in behalf of family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Agnes Blevens, his niece Amy Blair, his brother-in-law Mike Barto, and his nephew Dirk Barto, David leaves behind his wife Kathi, son Greg and his wife Lanissa, son Scott Blevens and his wife Kathleen; five grandchildren: Cameron, Brielyn, Taybron, Zachary and Naomi Blevens; his sister Jan Blair and her husband Bob Blair, brother-in-law Steve Barto; nieces Kelly (Gary) Addington and Tiffany Barto; nephews Jay (Sheree) Blair, Bobby (Lori) Blair, Lance Barto; sister-in-law, Joanne Rosini; special friend Joy Barto; numerous great nieces and nephews and many, many friends who were like brothers and sisters to him.

A celebration of Life is planned on Independence Day, July 4 at 11 am at the First Church of the Nazarene in La Junta (10th and Topeka Avenue) to be presided by Reverend Lou Ward of the United Methodist Church of La Junta. The services must abide by CDC guidelines and thus masks are required to be worn into the service and in the public areas of the church such as the foyer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arkansas Valley Hospice, the extraordinary organization which greatly eased David's last days, the American Cancer Association (please specify for cancer research on checks), the Koshares or any charity of your choice.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.