Robert Gene Bevins, age 86, of Jackson, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019 at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on Dec. 24, 1932 in Pike County, Ohio to the late John Bevins and Georgia (O’Bryan) Bevins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters: Charlene (Jim) Slone and Irene (Harold) Spencer and a sister-in-law, Betty Bevins.
Robert was a long-time resident of Jackson, living here 60 years. He served as an Airman First Class E4 in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1952 to 1956. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. His most significant assignment was with the 6983d Mobile Radio Squadron, where he served as a radio intercept operator, while stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.
Upon completing his service time, he came home and hired on at the steel mill in Portsmouth, Ohio. He worked there until the fall semester began at Rio Grande College. He then enrolled there and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. While at Rio Grande, he met Vivian in classes and they married in March of 1959. Later he earned a master’s degree from Ohio University. He began teaching school the fall of 1959 at Centralia in Ross County. After completing two years there, he obtained a position in the Jackson City School system, first as a teacher, next as assistant principal and then as principal of the Jackson High School. He was a member of the Jackson Christian Church and served as a deacon. He loved singing the old gospel songs and led the singing for the men’s Sunday school class. He was a member of the Jackson Rotary Club and served a term as president.
Robert’s greatest personal achievement would be his commitment to his family. He passed on his love of discovery to his children and grandchildren through the places they visited and shared together. It was important to him to cultivate and maintain family ties. He was an avid story teller and enjoyed writing humorous poetry for his grandchildren.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian (Leedy) Bevins; two sons, Mark Anthony Roe Bevins (Kathy) and Brian Bevins (Amy); one daughter, Kristen Bevins Eversole (Phil); a special cousin, who was like a son, Dale Kanouse (Marilyn); brothers, James C. Bevins, Leon (Patricia) Bevins and Walter Bevins; grandchildren, Tyler (Brandy) Bevins, Stephen Bevins, Kaitlin (Tyler) Bevins Jones, Alyse (Danny) Eversole Capaccio, Jacob Eversole, Emily Roe and Elizabeth Roe; and great-grandchildren, Kinley Garnett Jones, Hutson Curtis Jones, Phoebe Perkins and Zoe Perkins.
A funeral service will be held at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. with Pastor Hannah Niday officiating. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. prior to the service.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home in Jackson. Condolences may be sent to www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com