Rev. Ralph E. Blevins of Brenham, TX, passed away on August 16, 2018 after a long illness at the age of 94. Preceded in death by his parents, siblings, daughter Sue, sons-in-law Bennie and Gene, he is survived by his beloved wife of 76 years, Florene; his daughter Linda Blevins Fitzwater of New Ulm, Texas and his son Timothy R. Blevins (Mark Yeager) of Oakland, California. He is also survived by his “adopted” son Mui Qui Bong (Dan Kim Tam) and his “grandchildren” Vy, Ylan and Dan and their respective spouses and children. Following service in the Navy during WWII, Ralph graduated with a B.A. from the Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK. Encouraged by a mentor, he enlisted in the New Orleans Baptist Th eological Seminary to continue his training for ministry, graduating in 1952 with a Masters of Divinity. As a student, he was a mission pastor in Arabi, Louisiana and became the first pastor of the First Baptist Church of Arabi where he pastored the church for over 30 years until his retirement in 1986. During his career as a Baptist pastor, he served in many leadership roles at the regional and state levels of Southern Baptist life. Hurricane Katrina swept away Ralph’s New Orleans-based life and he and his wife moved to Brenham to be near their daughter. Although he always missed Arabi, New Orleans and the many beloved church members from over the years, he developed a fondness for Brenham and the new friends he made. He especially loved singing in the choir of Brenham’s First Baptist Church. A memorial service was held on Friday, August 17, 2018 at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main Street, Brenham, TX. A Visitation with the family was also held on Saturday, Aug. 18 at St. Bernard Memorial Garden and Funeral Home in Chalmette, LA. Interment took place at St. Bernard Memorial Gardens in Chalmette, Louisiana. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: Global Maritime Ministries in New Orleans, or Brenham Bread Partners. Funeral arrangements for Ralph E. Blevins are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham, TX. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.
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