 Gary Bevins - deceased JOPLIN, MISSOURI September 29th, 2009 Gary J. Bevins, age 62, of Joplin Mo., passed away at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, at Freeman West Hospital. Diagnosed with colon cancer in February 2002, he courageously pursued research and treatment, adding more years to his life than his original prognosis. Gary was raised in Parsons, Kan., graduating from high school in 1964. He then attended Wichita State University on a football scholarship before serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. In 1972, he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pittsburg State University. In 1994, he received a degree from Park College in addictive studies, intending to do counseling in this field after retirement. He had lived in Joplin since 1995, moving from Wichita, Kan. Gary began his career as a computer programmer, but soon learned his calling was in sales in the field of technology. In 2002, he co-founded an information technology company which he operated until his ill health prevented traveling. He was a member of Christ’s Community United Methodist Church. Gary married Ann Bain on March 22, 1993, in Wichita. She survives. Additional survivors include his parents, Charles and Helen Bevins, of Parsons, Kan.; a brother, Brent, of Parsons; a sister, Judy, of Tulsa, Okla.; his grandson, Landon and daughter-in-law, Keitha Bevins, of Paris, Texas; and numerous other relatives and friends. In April of 2002, he was preceded in death by his son, Cord A. Bevins. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Christ’s Community United Methodist Church in Joplin. Rev Chris Sloan and Rev Bob Dart will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Mount Hope Cemetery in Humboldt, Kan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Freeman Cancer Institute Gary's Activities at PHS Football 63 Football Co-Captain 64 Track 62, 63, 64 Intramural Basketball 62, 63 School Service 64 Newspaper Staff Sports Editor 64 Yearbook Staff 64 Career Plans - Commercial Art, Advertising GO BACK | ||