Edward J. Blevins, 76, Palestine, IL, died at 7 p.m. Thursday December 21, 2006 at his home.

He retired from Marathon Oil Co. October 28, 1987 after 29 years of service and was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Robinson, V.F.W. Post #4549, E.M. Coulter American Legion Post #69, Palestine Amvets and the Retired Officers Association. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and later with the Illinois National Guard.

He was born July 26, 1930 in Lawrenceville, IL the son of John W. Blevins and Gertrude Hudespeth Blevins.

He married Neleta Skinner and she preceded him in death December 7, 1989. He was also preceded by his parents and a sister; Alice M. Blevins.

He is survived by 2 sons and daughters-in-law; Kevin and Donna Blevins, Palestine and Mark and Heather Blevins, Robinson; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Vickie and Darrell Wilson, Robinson, Sherry and Jim Skidmore, Robinson; 9 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and 1 brother and sister-in-law, James and Swan Blevins, Lawrenceville.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Robinson with Pastor Kevin Wyckoff officiating. Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery. Military graveside services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson American Legion Post #69, Flat Rock American Legion Post #132, Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, and the Palestine AmVets Post #33. The Visitation will be from 9-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 26th at the Goodwine Funeral Home, Robinson. Memorials may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or to the Arthritis Foundation with envelopes available at the funeral home.