Hugh Lavern Devore

Hugh Lavern Devore passed away peacefully on Friday, November 20, 2020 at
the amazing age of 100 years, in his home in Cushing, Oklahoma. He was able to
visit with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren before his death. Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2020, in Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater, Oklahoma with Dr. Lee Manzer officiating. Strode Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Hugh was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, to Anna May (Martin) and Arthur Eugene Devore on
July 25, 1920, fourth in the line of six children.
When Hugh was seven his father died leaving his mother with six children during
the Great Depression. The example of his mother working hard to feed her family
stayed with him throughout his life, and he always valued food on the table more
than possessions. A graduate of Vinita High School, he served in the Naval
Reserve before he entered the Army on September 14, 1943.
At a movie theater in his home town, a chance meeting occurred with the young
woman who would be the love of his life...Phyllis Imogene "Jean" Randolph. He
said she was immediately smitten and never wanted him to leave her. Happily, he
felt the same. Hugh and Jean were married on October 4, 1943. Sadly, their
happily ever after was interrupted by World War II. Hugh was called to active duty
as part of a group who will be forever known as "the greatest generation."
On June 8, 1944, he landed on the banks of Normandy, two days after D-Day. Out
on a bivouac on June 9, he was wounded and sent to recover in England. Upon
recovery, he was returned to active duty in France. As with many soldiers, he was
reluctant to speak about the war. Later in his life he shared memories that have
given the family a sense of the sacrifices made by many for our country.
Hugh was employed by Sun Oil Company until his retirement. There was no worry
he would be bored, as he had embraced his children's love for all thing’s orange
and black. Oklahoma State University football, basketball and baseball tickets
were always available. Go Pokes!
He excelled at helping with homework and could do math, algebra, and geometry
or English assignments in diagramming sentences and memorizing poetry. Some
good grades were made as a result of his tutoring. Grandchildren and great-
grandchildren remember the games they played such as: Crazy 8, Pollyanna, and
Parcheesi to name a few.
Other things grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved doing with him — taking
walks, checking on his garden, feeding the ducks at the local pond, visiting the
neighbor's cows.

He loved fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, growing them in his garden each year.
He always shared his abundance with family and friends. A Lifetime New York
Yankees fan, Hugh leaves behind a legacy of two new generations who follow the
Bronx Bombers.
Hugh was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents, Anna and Arthur Devore;
four sisters: Lois Sippy, Ladema Schoech, Vermeil Williams, and Vera Tresler; and
one brother Charles "C. R." Devore.
He is survived by his three children: two daughters, Saundra Manzer and husband
Lee of Stillwater, OK; Dianne Murray and husband Don of Stillwater, OK; and one
son, Terry Devore and wife Cindy of Broken Arrow, OK; seven grandchildren:
Britton Fox and husband Scott of Tulsa, OK; Bryndon Manzer and wife Janie of
Edmond, OK; Brandye Mix and husband Vance of Yukon, OK; Chase Murray
and wife Julie of Buffalo, NY; Skye Sandell and husband Jon of Guthrie, OK;
Elizabeth Devore of Broken Arrow, OK; and Sam Devore of Broken Arrow, OK. In
addition, great-grandchildren are: Lynley Fox, Taryn Fox Nye, Ashtyn Fox, Stella
and Lucy Murray, Brooks and Banks Manzer, and Clay Sandell.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you and appreciation to his
neighbors and caregivers who wrapped their arms around him in love, friendship
and care.
As a family, we feel blessed to have had the influence and many years of love and support from Hugh and Jean as our parents, grandparents and great-
grandparents. They celebrated 65 years together. On their headstone are the
words "Together Forever!' We believe they got their happily ever after.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.