Donald J. McDevitt

April 13, 1936 - September 19, 2013
Donald J. McDevitt

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Donald J. McDevitt of Wilmington, passed away September 19, 2013 at the young age of 77.

Born April 13, 1936 in Effingham, IL, Don, as he was called by friends and family, was a “Jack of all Trades.” He had been a crop duster, a plantation care-taker, a special needs volunteer, an avid fisherman, a volunteer fireman, and he even served in the United States Air Force overseas in Korea. Before moving to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1983, Don also owned and ran his own business, McDevitt Roofing and Painting in Olney, IL for 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Paulene McDevitt, sister Virginia Dasenbrock, brothers Danny and George McDevitt, twin brothers Gene McDevitt, granddaughter Taylor McDevitt, and his son-in-law, SFC Douglas W. Jones.

Don is leaving behind his wife of 53 years, Jane McDevitt, his five children, Daniel (Dewayne Baldwin) of Louisville, KY, James (Leonard Alderson) of Avon, IN, Donna Jones of Wilmington, NC, Joseph (Theresa) of Rocky Point, NC, and Dennis (Kelly) of Brookings, OR, twelve grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. His siblings Rosemary Koste, Bill (Joyce) McDevitt, Ann Platt, Jane (Bob) Schutte of Effingham, IL, and Lee (Kim) McDevitt of Mattoon, IL will also mourn him, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donald McDevitt was a faithful and loving brother, husband, father, and friend. Those who have had the privilege to know him can only agree in saying that he will be missed dearly by all.

Cremation rites will be performed in Wilmington, NC as per Don’s final wishes.

The family will be holding a funeral mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham, IL on September 28, 2013.

Visitation will be from 10-11 AM and Mass at 11AM. There will be a luncheon after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association, Hospice, and or AMFAR charities.

Please share condolences with the family by clicking on the “guest book tab” above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • September 23, 2013
    Chilvers family says:
    Jane, Dan, Jim, Donna, Joe and Dennis, Our family is thinking of you during this trying time. Our prayers are with you as you prepare to say goodbye. We all have fond memories of camping trips to Kentucky Lake, ice skating at the farm and sledding behind the pickup truck (don't tell Mom and Dad.).

  • October 06, 2013
    Anna says:
    Janie, I can always still picture you always smiling, all the way through K-12 in school. I only hope you man still smile again and through your tears at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • September 21, 2013
    Todd Alexander says:
    OUR hearts go out to Miss Jane and the entire McDevitt family. Mr. Don inspired many and has transitioned his next phase of life into the cradle of GOD the GOOD.

  • September 21, 2013
    Stephen Bassett says:
    Expressions of Sympathy Stephen Bassett has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.

  • September 21, 2013
    RICKY BURNETT & MIKE ELKINS says:
    I CAN STILL REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I MET DON & JANE AND WHAT A PLEASURE IT WAS. OVER THE YEARS WE ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO SEEING THEM. 53 YEARS IS A TRIBUTE TO THE LOVE THEY HAD FOR EACH OTHER AND THEIR FAMILY. OUR CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHIES GO TO ALL THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT WERE BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN THEM, "AND ON A PERSONAL NOTE, THAT THEY CREATED ONE OF THE BEST FRIENDS WE HAVE BE BLESSED TO HAVE IN OUR LIVES" DON, JANE AND YOUSELF SHOULD HAVE AN OVER-WHELMING FEELING OF THE GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU BOTH CREATED IN YOUR FAMILY. " MAY GOD BE WITH-IN ALL OF YOU AND HEAL YOUR PAIN AS WELL AS TO GRANT EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU IN CELEBRATING THE WONDERFUL MAN THAT ALL OF YOU WERE BLESSED TO HAVE IN YOUR LIVES" DON WILL BE TRULY MISSED, BUT I FEEL HE'LL BE ON THAT GREAT LAKE IN HEAVEN, FISHING AND WATCHING OVER ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND REMEMBERING EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU AND THE PROUDNESS WE ALL KNOW HE FELT. WITH LOVE TO ALL OF YOU, RICKY AND MIKE