Daniel "Danny" Louis Blevins

Daniel "Danny" Louis Blevins, the man whose laughter was as infectious as his love for music was loud, danced his way into the heavens on March 22, 2024, at the age of 68, after a valiant battle with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia. He was born on March 20, 1956, in Danville, Illinois. Danny lived a life that was as vibrant and colorful as his field of marigolds he so adored. He passed away in the comfort of his home in Topeka, Kansas leaving behind a legacy of joy, creativity, and an adventurous spirit that would make even the most daring explorers tip their hats.

Danny was the cherished son of Walter and Marple Blevins, a brother among siblings, a father to his beloved children, and Papa Dan to his ten grandchildren. He is survived by his children Kristin (Brian) Chooncharoen, Jeffrey (Jessica) Blevins, Danielle (Joe) Goff, and Jennifer Blevins. Danny's siblings, Linda (Tom) Cott, Scott Blevins, Clifford (Melany) Blevins, Walter (Wendy) Blevins, and April Blevins, along with many nieces and nephews, will continue to carry the torch of his vivacious spirit. His parents, sister Bobbetta Dial, and brother Willard Blevins and a daughter, Ashley preceded him on this final journey.

Our Danny was a man of many talents. With hands skilled from years as a carpenter, he crafted more than just structures; he built memories, laughter, and warmth that could rival any hearth. Some college may have been his formal education, but Danny was a lifelong student of the world, always eager to learn, share, and grow.

His interests were as eclectic as his taste in music. He could often be found with a fishing rod in one hand and a guitar pick in the other, often simultaneously teaching life lessons and the art of the perfect cast or chord. Danny loved to strum his guitars, his fingers dancing over the strings while serenading friends and family with songs that could be heard two blocks away. His singing voice, a mix of gravel and soul, would often be accompanied by the sound of his grandchildren's giggles. And let's not forget his Game of Thrones marathons; he was the true king of his castle, a fortress of joviality and good cheer.

But nothing, not even the melodies of his favorite tunes or the thrill of a plot twist in Westeros, could compare to his love for the Steelers. That is, until Taylor Swift's association "ruined football" and swore to it that he would "never" watch another game.

Danny was a man who carried an old soul, a treasure trove of wisdom, and a heart that never seemed to run out of love. He never judged, always listened, and made each person feel like the most important individual in the room. His advice was as sound as his sense of humor was sharp. In a world where everyone is trying to be something, Danny was simply, and unapologetically, himself.

In the words of the great Robin Williams, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." Danny certainly never lost his. His spark of madness was the light that led us through dark times and the flare that turned good times into grand adventures.

Danny Blevins was funny, creative, and adventurous. He was the life of the party, even if the party was just him and you. To be in Danny's presence was to guarantee laughter, to learn something new, and to feel unequivocally special. His legacy is one of joy, a reminder to live fully, love deeply, and laugh often.

So here's to Danny, our beacon of mirth, our maestro of melody, and our sage of sincerity. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary soul, let us crank up the music and share a laugh just as he would have wanted. Danny, your final curtain call may have come, but the encore of your influence will play on forever.

Keep your powder dry and your puck on the ice "we are all in this together"

Catch ya on the flip side