Clear, 30° F
(Sept. 18, 1942 - Nov. 6, 2013)
Darrel Lee Blevins died in Powell on Nov. 6, 2013, after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was 71.
Darrel was born in Powell on Sept. 18, 1942. After graduating from high school in Helena, Mont., he began college at Northwest Community College in 1961 before marrying Janet Kaye Cavalli on Aug. 5, 1962. Darrel and Janet met when they were 15 years old and living in Cheyenne. After they married, they lived in Powell until 1963 when they moved to California so that he could attend USC.
Darrel’s career with Safeway stores began in 1959 as a box boy and continued until 1989. In those 30 years, he held several positions, but spent most of his career as director of human resources for the Butte, Portland and Salt Lake City divisions. He also spent time in the Bay Area offices.
He and Janet embarked on a new career, with the urging of his brother, Ron, by opening Red Lodge Office Supply in 1991. They then purchased Powell Office Supply in 2003 and moved back to Powell, finally coming back home after 40 years.
During his various careers, Darrel volunteered with many different organizations, including Boy Scouts of America, and touched many lives over the years. Darrel was the scoutmaster for Troop 411 in Sandy, Utah. During his tenure as scoutmaster, he mentored many Boy Scouts to go on and lead by his example. He was a man who preferred to do good work with many different people, and shied away from being recognized for all that he accomplished.
Darrel was a true family man and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially in the mountains.
This quote by Winston Churchill helps describe Darrel’s life: “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 51 years, Janet Blevins and their two sons, Randy Blevins (Vickie) of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Martin Blevins (Heidi) of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; and six grandchildren, Justin, Tyler, Donavan, Darrel, Zoe and Sophie. He also leaves behind his brother Ron Blevins of Powell.
There will be a celebration of life to honor Darrel at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at United Methodist Church in Powell. The family would like to encourage memorial donations sent to Powell Valley Hospital Hospice, in memoriam of Darrel Blevins, 777 Ave. H, Powell, WY 82435, or National Jewish Health for research on Pulmonary Fibrosis at 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206-2761.
Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net or P.O. Box 807, Powell, WY 82435.
