In Loving Memory of John McDevitt

John E. McDevitt Jr. October 1st, 1947 – February 7th, 2019. Beloved son of Melinda Wehlan and John McDevitt Sr., husband of Marion McDevitt (Hess). Passed into eternal life after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday February 7th, 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 71.

John was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he grew up and attended Southern High and Ridley High School. In 1965 at the age of 17 John enlisted into the United States Army and served more than 20 years of active duty as an Infantryman with overseas tours of duty in Vietnam and Germany. John was also an expert marksman with both the .45 caliber pistol and the M-16 Rifle. He retired in 1986, at the rank of First Sergeant. His military decorations include a Combat Infantry Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He married Marion Hess on November 21st,1969. They were blessed with three children: Frank, Susan, and Marion. After his retirement from the military John acted on his constant need to serve others. He used this passion and pursued his dream to become a Sheriff’s Deputy with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2005. He then served in this role until 2014. John was an avid outdoorsman, loved to hunt, was involved in many organizations over the years and was a life member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He also belonged to the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), and several other veterans’ organizations. John could light up a room with his smile and bright blue eyes. He could always be counted on to crack a joke and of course call things as he saw them. He loved making memories with his family and especially loved spending time with his dogs: Tippy (73-86), Nikki (89-99), Sandy (99-11), and Angel (2011 – present). He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

John is survived by his wife Marion McDevitt, son Frank (Kathy) McDevitt, daughter Susan (Randall) Combs and daughter Marion (Tom) Hessek. Grandchildren: Christopher (Catherine) Hicks, John Glenn McDevitt, Kayla Combs, Matthew Combs, Andrew Hessek and Tyler Hessek. Great Grandchildren: Sadie Hicks and Jack Hicks. Siblings: Linda Ann Swann, Edward McDevitt and Mary McDevitt. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, neighbor and friend Bill Clancy as well as two best friends from his army days: Edward Carper of Missouri and Clifford Rutkowski of Hawaii. John was preceded in death by his mother Meldina McDevitt, father John McDevitt Sr. and a sister Margaret Gerini. His family and friends will always remember him as a loving husband, father, Opa, Ander Opa and friend.

A Memorial Service honoring John will be held from 12:00pm – 1:00pm Saturday, February 16th, 2019 at the Soldiers Memorial Chapel on Fort Carson, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers to honor John, donations can be made to The Humane Society of Colorado Springs or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.