ASHTABULA — Hershel R. Blevins Sr., age 81, of Ashtabula, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013.
Born Sept. 16, 1931, in Floyd County, Ky., he was the son of Everett Blevins and Nerva Jane Paige. He was later raised by his maternal grandparents, William and Alice Paige. After he had worked with his grandfather in making mining timbers for the coal mines of eastern Kentucky for $4.00 per week, he then met the love of his life, Magaline Hall. The couple married Sept. 18, 1950. They moved to Ashtabula November 1952 with the eldest son of five children. After moving to Ashtabula he found a family bond with his step-father, Robert Hamilton Sr. and Mr. Blevins’s three younger brothers, Charles, Dempsey and Robert Jr. Hamilton.
He then found employment with the New York Central Railroad. Hershel found his joy in gardening, raising his family, church, playing music and teaching his children to play Bluegrass music. He formed a family band, the Northeast Ohio Coonhunters, and performed at the Piketon Jamboree, along with renowned acts such as Ralph and Carter Stanley, and Grandpa Jones. He then turned the family band over to his sons and the band became the Blevins Brothers, and he then made cameo appearances.
He was an avid coon hunter, musician and farmer. He enjoyed cooking and entertaining for large groups of friends and family at the family farm in Plymouth Township. He was a member of the Ashtabula County Wagon Train and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Magaline; brothers, Dempsey Hamilton and Robert Hamilton Jr.; brother-in-law, Pearl (Dick) Hall; brother, Jay Blevins; and several aunts and uncles.
Survivors include his brother, Charles Hamilton; sister-in-law, Surilda Hall; sons, James Evertt, Burchel Lee, Clyde William and Hershel Ray Jr. Blevins; daughter, Clounia Jane Blevins; grandchildren, LeeAnn, Nicole and Cody Blevins; and great-grandchildren, Robbie Caruthers, Emily Rose and Durgan Lee Blevins.
Calling Hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at POTTI LAKESIDE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 1329 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, followed by a Service at 8 p.m.
Private family funeral services are 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 28th, at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ridgeview Cemetery.
Obituary and condolences at www.pottifuneralhome.com and starbeacon.com.
