Stanley Duke Blevins

Stanley Duke Blevins, beloved resident of Terrell, passed away on Sept. 24, 2024. Scripture tells us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, his family, and the entire community of Terrell takes comfort that Duke is, now, in the presence of the Savior and other loved ones who have gone before. Born on August 3, 1961, Duke was the youngest son of seven children. He and his siblings had many days where each of their personalities came together to make memorable days, having fun and playing games, occupying their time and just enjoying life. Most of this enjoyment of activities ended up being a challenge to their parents but, no matter what, the seven of them stuck together until the next adventure! Duke was fiercely protective of his siblings, especially his little sister, and he was known to tell other kids that picking on his sisters and brothers was reserved for him only! He had an acute mind as a young man and learning subjects like reading and math in school came easily to Duke. He had a spirit of ingenuity and initiative and, when he was 8 years old, Duke told his sister Janet that he had confidently figured out ‘how to get rich’ when he got older. Upon Janet asking for more information, Duke let her know that, while he shared everything with his siblings, the details of THIS plan were going to stay with him! He had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that dazzled others when they met him. As a child, he enjoyed watching cartoons and he also loved animals having several different types in his lifetime including dogs, pigs, goats and even a pet chicken. After his schooling, he joined the National Guard and was a proud member of the US Armed Forces. Later in life, Duke was diagnosed with schizophrenia and this diagnosis led to many challenging years. In Terrell, he found a community that met Duke where he was at on any given day. The needs that were communicated by Duke to the residents of Terrell, each of whom rallied around him, were not only met, but in most cases, exceeded. So many were recipients of the gifts Duke could give: his quiet demeanor, and his soft “God bless” as he held open local business doors for patrons. Countless people would stop and visit with Duke, making sure that he received any care that he needed. Duke was known by many names over the years but one thing endured-that his life, while altered by mental health struggles, continued to inspire love and compassion from a small town brotherhood and sisterhood that was as protective of Duke as he was of his own siblings. Matthew 25:37-40 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ We grieve as a community but we take comfort that Stanley Duke Blevins, beloved Terrell resident, is now an angel of our town, guiding our way to all others who desperately need love, compassion and community. . A Celebration of Life will be 2:00 pm Friday October 4, 2024 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel.

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Stanley Duke Blevins

August 23, 1961 - September 24, 2024