Allan Wesley DeVene, age 87, resident of Willard, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at Gaymont Nursing Home in Norwalk. He was born on January 5, 1932, in Wharton, Ohio, to the late Allan and Ethel (Baughman) DeVene.
Wes graduated from Wharton High School and then went on to achieve his Bachelor's degree from Heidelberg University. To finish his schooling, he went onto Bowling Green University, where he received his Master's degree in education. Wes taught in Riverdale school system and while there, he coached little league in McCutchenville, Ohio. Later, he had worked in Willard school systems from 1974 until he retired in 1994.
While Wes enjoyed teaching and coaching, he also enjoyed model railroading and rose gardening. He was one of the four organizers who helped build the McCutchenville ball park, where he had coached little league for many years.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Suzanne (Downs) DeVene, whom he married on March 2, 1974; four children, Valli (Jim) Chaney, Vicki (John) Kingseed, Sara DeVene, Andrew (Allison) DeVene; eight grandchildren, Lucas and Eliot DeVene, Erica (Jamie) Harper, Emily Danner, Amber Nye, Greg (Holli) Chaney, Nicholas (Amy) Cleland, Erin (Keith) Sherwood, Shelly Jackman; twenty two great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Wes was preceded in death by his sisters, Marcella Harbison and Ruth Kuhn.
Family and friends may gather at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio, on Monday, December 9, 2019, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Funeral service will take place on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at First United Methodist Church in Willard, at 11:00 am, with Pastor Darlene Robinson officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to The First United Methodist Church, 401 East Howard Street, Willard, Ohio 44890. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
John Babcock - Dec 17, 2019
My sincerest condolences to you and your family Suzanne.
Julie Hollinger - Dec 10, 2019
My very deepest condolences to you and your entire family. I'm sure Wes will be terribly missed. He seemed like such a decent man with a wonderful sense of humor!
Angie Kelley - Dec 9, 2019
So sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers to all the family during this time. He was definitely a great man. Fondest memories were playing basketball for him. He will be missed by many.
Jude Chapman - Dec 8, 2019
Thoughts and prayers to the Devene family...Wes was a truly special guy.
Mick, Sandi and Michaella OBrien - Dec 8, 2019
Suzanne and Family
We are so sorry to hear about Wes. He was a super guy and a wonderful teacher to our kids. God Bless
JAMES FOX - Dec 7, 2019
SO SORRY TO HEAR. HE NEVER KNEW A STRANGER. HE WILL BE MISSED.
Gina Lillo Link - Dec 7, 2019
Mr. DeVene was a wonderful person and teacher. Prayers to the family!
Brenda Triplett Newman - Dec 6, 2019
Andrew I'm sorry for your and your family's loss. I loved mr. Devene. He was one of my favorite teachers. Prayers for you and your family.
The Tedlie Family - Dec 6, 2019
What a great neighbor, friend, and teacher. You will be missed. Praying for peace for your family.
Cheryl Depler - Dec 6, 2019
Suzanne,
My sincere condolences.
Tami Salyer - Dec 6, 2019
Prayers to the Devene family during this difficult time. He was a great teacher!
Leslie Johnston - Dec 6, 2019
Such a wonderful man! My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I’m very sorry for your loss
Verne and Sharon Shellhouse - Dec 6, 2019
We are so very sorry for your loss
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Tracey Lynn Strong - Dec 6, 2019
Andrew and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. May God Bless you and your family in this most difficult time.
Kristin & Joshua Simpson - Dec 6, 2019
Thinking of all of you and sending love and support.
Cynthia Lewellen Branham - Dec 6, 2019
My sincere condolences on the passing of Wes. I am praying for comfort and peace for your family. RIP Wes.
Mike and Linda Veletean - Dec 6, 2019
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a truly great person. You will be in our prayers for comfort and support
Chris Long - Dec 6, 2019
Sorry to hear the passing of Wes. So many great memories of him as an educator and coach. He will be truly missed, as he made learning fun. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Trish Palmer Tarr - Dec 6, 2019
Mrs Devene - and family.....so sorry for your loss. He touched the lives of many. God Bless you during this difficult time.
Merry Holida - Dec 6, 2019
So very sorry for your loss. He was a great man and touched so many lives.
Chris & Pam Schwan - Dec 6, 2019
Our deepest sympathy for your family's loss. Mr. Devene will always be remembered as a great teacher and his wit.
Jolynn hampton - Dec 6, 2019
Bonnie Thomas - Dec 6, 2019
So very sorry to hear of your loss,prayers to all the family.
BARB JONES - Dec 6, 2019
SENDING PRAYERS AND HUGS, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. BARB JONES AND FAMILY.
Rosalie Keesy - Dec 6, 2019
So sorry for your loss. Your all in my thoughts and prayers. I will cherish my memories of him coaching me in basketball.
Valerie and Gerald Gibson - Dec 6, 2019
Sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Suzanne, Andy, Sara and all of your family. I’m sure you have many good memories of Wes!
Joan Ebert - Dec 6, 2019
So sorry for the loss of Wes, he was a wonderful person and a great teacher. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
