Byron L. DeVoe

Byron L. DeVoe 81, long-time resident of Shelbyville, peacefully passed away on May 10th, at his home, in the presence of family members. Byron was born on August 26, 1926, in Kendallville, Indiana to Maynard and Esther DeVoe. Ten years of his boyhood were spent in the small Michigan town of Lapeer during an idyllic period in our country's history when his days were spent hating school but loving his mother's cooking while playing marbles, fishing, hunting, biking, sledding and listening to the Detroit Tigers on a gigantic Philco radio. In 1940 he moved to Seymour where he graduated from Shields High School in 1944 before continuing on to Purdue University, where he played in the band and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. His time at Purdue was interrupted when he chose to enlist in the Navy and subsequently served a tour of duty overseas during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he graduated from Purdue in 1949 and returned to Seymour, where he married Helen Franke in 1957. Helen, his loving wife of 50 years, survives, along with their children Michael (wife Becky) DeVoe, Elaine Jevtic, of Shelbyville; Jennifer DeVoe of Atlanta, Georgia; Susan DeVoe of Indianapolis; Linda (husband Mike) Cridge of Fishers; and Philip (wife Jill) DeVoe, of Indianapolis; nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and a step-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his beloved brother Dr. Kenneth (wife Betty) DeVoe of Greenwood and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Constance, and granddaughter, Patricia. In 1964 he and the late John Burns founded D & B Cabinet Sales, Inc., which continues to thrive as a family-owned and operated business. After retiring in 1991 his days alternated between traveling the world and relaxing at his vacation home in Brookville. He was an avid outdoorsman, conservationist and self-proclaimed naturalist, and was seldom seen without his field glasses and well-worn bird book. He was a Christian and member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a trustee. His bridge skills, good humor and quick wit will be missed by many, including his coffee club, business associates, and numerous 'cuzzins', aka the in-laws and outlaws. Byron was cremated in a small family ceremony on May 13th. A memorial service and gathering of friends will be held on June 14 at the First Baptist Church, 28 West Broadway, Shelbyville, beginning at 1 pm, with services at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Shelby County Hospice, or charity of the donor's choice.