Family, Friends Bid Farewell to Longtime OF Resident Don DeVos

Longtime Oak Forest resident Don DeVos, 87, died last week. 

DeVos was a , a loving father of three, cherished grandfather of five and adored great-grandfather of 11. He was also during WWII, as he entered hospice care in New Lenox.

Family members expressed their admiration for DeVos during the special pinning ceremony in November 2011. DeVos served in the South Pacific, and family recounted that when other members of the military were beating a captured Japanese soldier, DeVos stepped in and stopped the abuse.

"That really proves he's always had the integrity, the deep feelings for anybody, no matter who you are, whether it's wartime or peacetime," said daughter Donna Rinker.

"He's just always been a wonderful role model for us as we've grown up."

DeVos was one of 16 children of Richard and Cleo. All but one of the children were born in the family home at 161st. and Oak Avenue; more than half the siblings have since passed away. With Don's passing, four now remain.  

DeVos met wife Lois when he was a cook and she a nurse's aide at . The two contributed to a family that now spans across the country. The DeVos name is listed in phonebooks in Nevada, Mississippi, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and even nearby New Lenox. Family members have gone on to become professionals, tradesmen, military and more. They cover many faiths, including Reformed Christian, Lutheran, Jehovah's Witness and Catholic.

The 100-plus DeVos brood , and DeVos spent some time with his adoring family members. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m., at . Visitation was held Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m. DeVos will be laid to rest with military honors, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends honor his memory with donations to the Salem Village Alzheimer's Unit (Joliet) or the Joliet Hospice. For all information, call 708-687-2990.

DeVos joins those of siblings who preceded him in death, including: 

• Edward DeVos (d. 1955)
• Robert DeVos (d. 1974)
• Richard DeVos (d. 1980)
• Alice DeVos-Krueger (d. 1984)
• William DeVos (d. 1991)
• Herbert DeVos (d. 1995)
• Priscilla DeVos-Hart (d. 2004)
• David DeVos (d. 2005)
• James DeVos (d. 2007)
• John DeVos (d. 2008)
• Georgetta DeVos-Vodnik (d. 2009)
• Don DeVos (d. 2012)

Complete Obituary:

Donald P. DeVos, age 87, resident of Joliet, previously Mountain Home, AR and Oak Forest, IL. Beloved husband of Lois (nee Wilkey) DeVos for 61 years; loving father of Linda (Ken) Spuehler, Donna (Bill) Rinker and Lori (Tim) Barelli; cherished grandfather of Kim (Spuehler) (Kurt) Hartman, Lisa (Spuehler) Dietz, Brandon (Karen) Rinker, Marta (Rinker) (Troy) Davis and the late Eamiel Beck III; great-grandfather of 11; dear brother of Doris Kennedy, Judy Webb, Fred DeVos and Tom DeVos and the late Georgetta Vodnik, Alice Krueger, Priscilla Hart, Dick DeVos, Bob DeVos, Ed DeVos, Bill DeVos, Herb DeVos, John DeVos, Dave DeVos and Jim DeVos. Navy Veteran of WWII (GROPAC 1). Retired Mason Contractor. Funeral Monday August 20, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at the McKenzie Funeral Home, 15618 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest. Interment and Military Honors Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 3 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Salem Village Alzheimer's Unit (Joliet) or the Joliet Hospice. For all information (708) 687-2990