Obituary of Daniel Noel Devoe

Daniel Noel Devoe passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at his home in Olympia, Washington. Dan was born on May 30, 1956, in Olympia to Daniel and Frances Merle Devoe. He was the youngest child and only boy, with three adoring sisters, Leta, Fay, and Theresa.

 

Dan spent his childhood playing on the beach near his home and exploring the forest at Priest Point Park. He was involved in the Boy Scouts, enjoyed dirt bikes and go karts, and playing basketball. He attended Roosevelt Elementary, Reeves Middle School and Olympia High School. He was a member of the select choir, “The Madrigals.”  He grew to a height of 6’8” and naturally developed a love of basketball. He was on the basketball team at Olympia High School, from which he graduated in 1974. He attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, where he played basketball on a scholarship for one year before serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Padua, Italy, from 1975 to 1977.

 

In September of 1970, he saw Judy Merrill walk into his seminary class wearing a yellow plaid coat; he thought she was cute and knew she was someone special. They started dating his junior year but decided not to get too serious. They stayed in touch during his mission and, once he was home, they knew right away that they wanted to get married. On December 7, 1977, he married his sweetheart, Judy Marlayne Merrill, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

 

After getting married, he had a chance encounter with a Washington State Patrol recruiter in an elevator at the state office building where he worked. Shortly after, he joined the State Patrol and faithfully served for the next 27 years. During his time with the State Patrol, he was a cadet in Ritzville, Washington, an academy instructor, and made several international trips as a recruiter. He was also a sergeant over Tacoma freeways, a safety officer in local schools, and a member of the motorcycle drill team. He worked hard to gain promotions and proudly retired as a Lieutenant.

 

After retiring from the State Patrol, he worked in various state positions, including the Dept. of Licensing, Dept. of Agriculture, Employment Security, and finally retired from The Washington State Lottery, serving as the Director of Security, where he found a loving work family whom he cherished. During his working years, while also raising a family and serving in many leadership roles within his church, Dan also earned his Bachelor's Degree from The Evergreen State College and his Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University.

 

Dan was Mr. Fix It. He knew how to do so many things, from home improvements to car repairs. He took great pride in being able to take care of various projects around the house and the homes of his children.  He had many hobbies, but some of his most cherished times were spent working on cars and playing music. In recent years, he found great joy being a part of his garage band, The 26th Street Insomniacs. He loved rocking out with his buddies, playing loud music, and singing along to some of his favorite songs. He also enjoyed motorcycles and had fond memories of taking long drives with his buddies. He loved traveling and eating good food. There wasn't a buffet that he wouldn't be excited about! And if there was free food, you knew Danny Devoe would be there!

 

Dan and Judy were the proud parents of their four children, Alyssa, Karli, Ben, and Kelley. Dan enjoyed spending time with his kids, going on camping trips, family vacations, bike outings, going to the park, and singing together. His family was his pride and joy. Of all the accomplishments he had in his life, they were by far his greatest. He enjoyed watching his kids grow up and loved attending all of their activities and special events, such as choir concerts and sporting events. He took pride in their accomplishments and loved seeing the wonderful, loving, talented people they have become. He was filled with joy as his family grew and expanded with the addition of his daughter-in-law, Cherese; son-in-law, Perry; and his six beautiful grandchildren, Gracie, Hayley, Porter, Paisley, Leo and Sam. He thought having the title of “DAD” was the best until he earned the title of “PAPA” and knew it couldn't get any better than that. His love for each of his grandchildren radiated through him.  His face lit up with joy anytime they were around. He loved each of them so much and enjoyed any time that he got to spend with them.

 

Nothing made him happier than having everyone gathered around him, enjoying good food, good music, and good company. He cherished all of his relationships old and new. He never missed an opportunity to express his love for and pride in his family. He had numerous siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family that he loved dearly. Family was family and it didn't matter where you fell on the family tree, Dan loved unconditionally and made sure you knew how loved and important you were to him.

 

Dan was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He faithfully served in the church for many years and was a source of faith, knowledge, service and love. He didn't preach what he believed, he just lived it, and showed it through his actions. He was the perfect example of the pure love of Christ. He didn't judge, he just loved without reservation. He showed compassion and understanding to everyone. The hole left by this giant of a man is one that can never be filled. He truly was a giant among men and will be greatly missed.

 

Dan is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Daniel and (Frances) Merle Devoe; his father- and mother-in-law, Clinton and Bernice Merrill; and three sisters-in-law, Valjean Merrill, Jan Boykin, and Lonnie Jorgensen. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Judy; children, Alyssa Devoe, Karli (Perry) Piercy, Benjamin (Cherese) Devoe, and Kelley Devoe; his grandchildren, Gracie, Hayley, Porter, and Paisley Devoe, and Sam and Leonidas Piercy; and his three sisters, Leta Harding, Fay McEvers, and Theresa (Keith) Wheatley.    

 

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Olympia LDS Stake Center, 600 Overhulse Road, Olympia, WA 98502, followed by the interment at Forest Memorial Gardens in Olympia.  A family viewing will be at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral at 10:00 a.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation 

PO Box 901

Prosser, WA 99350

 

Zelle: 360-597-4411 or wspmemorialfoundation@gmail.com

Venmo: @WSP-MemorialFoundation

 

Please indicate "In Memory of Dan Devoe" on any donations.

 

 

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