Christopher James Blevins

Christopher James Blevins, 57, stepped into the arms of Jesus on November 5, 2024. Born in Van Nuys, California on December 25, 1966 to Richard and Barbara (Sparks) Blevins, Chris lived a life of service and love.

Chris was a devoted loving husband to his wife Deana (Herrmann) for 34 years. Through laughter, tears, and more laughter they set a beautiful example of marriage to their four children. Chris embraced being a papa with the spirit of excellence that he put into all he did and was indeed the “Best Papa” to his seven grandkids. He will be remembered by his family for his legacy of dependability, fair-mindedness, patriotism, and ability to guide others toward truth. Chris taught and modeled that being a good man was a choice, and that it required people to do things that weren’t easy. He raised his kids to love and respect their mama as well as to obey and follow the Good Lord.

Chris’ impact went beyond the hearts of his family. He served in the United States Marine Corps for 14 years as a field radio operator. After his military service was complete, he and Deana raised their 4 children in North Carolina, Illinois, California, Wisconsin and then finally landed back in Illinois in 2009. He enjoyed coaching both boys and girls soccer for AYSO and Rochelle Township High School, Rochelle, IL where he also worked in their maintenance department. He moved into the Director of Building and Maintenance position for the Hinckley-Big Rock School District in 2018 where he served until 2022. 

In 2023, Chris moved, with his bride, to his “homeland” of Idaho, since it is where many of his ancestors settled. Idaho was, fortunately, also the place where some of his children and grandchildren landed. The past year and a half was a treasured time for Chris and Deana. Soon after their move, the couple became members of Hope Lutheran Church and School. Chris once again stepped into service when he was elected to the position of Director of Building and Maintenance. 

Chris is survived by his wife, Deana (Herrmann) of Shelley, ID, daughter Cheyane (Devon) Merz of Janesville, WI, daughter Sierra (Mathew) Rutten of Ammon, ID, daughter Brynn (Cole) Barnett of Seattle, WA, and son Hunter (Taralyn) Blevins of Shelley ID along with two sisters Sharon Blevins of Roseville CA and Linda Blevins of Nevada County, CA. His hugs will be greatly missed by his seven adoring grandchildren. 

Beyond those privileged to be related to Chris, he adopted many others into his heart as family and loved them fiercely. He will forever be loved and missed by those whose lives he touched. 

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Hope Lutheran Church, 2071 12th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. The family will receive friends Tuesday morning from 9:30 till 10:00 A.M. at the church. Military rites will be performed by the American Legion - David B. Bleak Post 93 and the U.S. Marines. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.

If you would like to spend time with the family to reminisce about Chris, you are welcome to join them at Smitty’s Pancake & Steak House, 645 W Broadway St. Idaho Falls, ID 83402 at noon following the service. This will be a no-host event and the family understands if you are unable to attend. Please see the attached link for the menu and pricing. menu link

 Chris’s kids are making a special request. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving money to help their mom pay off Chris’s truck. They have set up a GoFundMe account for this purpose. You can find the page at bit.ly/HonorChris. Anyone who really knew Chris would understand that the practicality of this gift would make him smile.

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