Obituary of Conard Blevins

Lieutenant Conard O. Blevins (Ret), Oakland Police Department passed away May 26, 2013. He was born June 8, 1933, in Boonville, Missouri. Mr. Blevins is survived by his wife, May and daughter, Rebecca Pacini (Michael) and granddaughter, Audrey. Mr. Blevins joined the USMC in 1951. He was assigned to the 11th Marines and went to Korea in April of 1952, where he served as an Artillery Scout Observer. There he was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart Medal. After Korea, he held other assignments with the USMC, most notably in the Marine Corps Honor Guard at 8th and I St. in Washington, D.C. and headquarters European Command, Paris, France, working in Security. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1957 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his time with the USMC, Mr. Blevins entered a career in law enforcement. Among his varied police assignments were four years as a Homicide Sergeant and three years as Traffic Division Commander in Oakland, California. He was also senior officer in the Oakland Police Bomb Unit for several years and voted a lifelong member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators. During his police career, he continued his education, earned a law degree and taught in both the Oakland Police Academy and the Peralta Community College District. During his time as an Oakland Police Officer, he was severely injured in an on-duty motorcycle accident which caused his retirement in 1980 after almost 23 years of law enforcement service. At the time of his retirement he held the rank of Lieutenant of Police. In 1986, Mr. Blevins moved to Lake Havasu City with his wife and young daughter. There he established the Lake Havasu Soccer League in the same year, was President of the Little League and was instrumental in bringing organized girls fast-pitch softball to the city. As evidenced by his accomplishments, he was very active in youth sports and always interested in providing opportunities for young people to play and enjoy sports. Additionally, Mr. Blevins was very active in local politics and took great pride and interest in his community. He was elected to the Lake Havasu City Council, serving from 1989 to 1992, and participated heavily in the Rotary Park and Police Building projects during his time as councilman. He also belonged to many organizations: he was a life member of the First Marine Division Association, the Marine Corps League, the International Association of Bomb Technicians, Investigators and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion #81. Mr. Blevins was a long time member of Elks Lodge #2399. Known to friends and family simply as "Connie," he will be remembered for his contributions to his country, local community, and most of all, his family. Services will be held at the Elks Lodge on June 2, 2013 at 1:30 PM with military honors rendered by the Marine Corps League Detachment 757. Interment will be at the National Cemetery at Fort Rosecrans in San Diego, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 1st Marine Division Association Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.