Harold L. DeVoe, Jr., age 82, Joplin, passed away at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2019 after a fall at his home in February.
Harold was born January 22, 1937 in Hermitage, Missouri to the late Harold and Lissa West DeVoe.
In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by an infant daughter; and sisters, Mary Sheffler, Ruth Fithian and Beverly Robertson.
In 1954, Harold joined the United States Air Force and served his country for twenty two years. He served six and a half years in Germany, four years in Turkey, one year in France and two combat tours in Vietnam. Harold earned the Bronze Star; Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Multi-Service Good Conduct awards; and multiple unit and campaign awards in support of the Vietnam War. He retired in 1976 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.
Harold was employed by Freeman Health Systems for twenty years, serving as director of facilities. He managed the maintenance, housekeeping, bio-medical services and security departments. Harold was responsible for many construction projects, including physician offices, hospital additions and outlying clinics at Freeman Hospital. In his retirement, he also facilitated the construction of Access Family Care in Joplin.
Harold served on the Commanders Advisory Council for the IZMIR Turkey American School; Seneca Board of Directors; Joplin Planning and Zoning Committee; the Newton County Ambulance District and served as an advisor to the Franklin Technical School.
When Harold wasn't busy doing things for others, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was active in his children's sporting events, referring to himself as a 'sideline' coach. Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Harold could be found most mornings at the Lant's Country Feed Store 'Coffee Club', where he was happy to try to solve most of the world's problems. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He married Mary Ann Ross on August 8, 1987 in Webb City. She survives in Pennsylvania. Also surviving is their son, Alex , fiancé Jessica Parsons with grandchildren, Easton and Johnathon.
Additional survivors include sons, Michael DeVoe and wife, Andie, Del Ray Beach, Florida, Robert DeVoe and wife, Lynnette, St. Charles, Missouri, Ryan DeVoe and wife, Dixie, Beaumont, California; sister, Nancy Carns, California; and grandchildren, Ryan, Jr. and Sean.
Memorial services are planned for Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Rev. John Oerter will officiate. Military honors will be conducted at the mortuary. The family will receive friends Saturday following services at the mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, in care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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