John Clarence DeVanie, known to his family and friends as Pappy, was born June 12, 1924 in Salisbury, MD. He joined the US Army July 19, 1943. He served with the 509 Parachute Infantry Battalion as a Pathfinder in Operation Dragoon establishing a second front against the Nazi's in Southern France. He jumped into the darkness on an early August morning and fought the Nazis with valor and distinction.
After the war he married Jeanamay Eason in Tyler, Texas. They were together for 71 years. He worked for Sun Oil Company for 32 years working his way up from roughneck to production manager. He has been active all of his adult life in the 509 Parachute Infantry Association where he served in many capacities including President.
In retirement he enjoyed travel with his wife, Daughters; Johnna Brock and June Housman, his grand children and great grand children. His favorite pastime was golf. He worked at the local golf course as a marshall on Mondays and played with his friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
He is survived by his Daughters, Johnna Brock and June DeVanie Housman, 8 grand children, 20 great grand children and 1 great great grandchild on the way.
Visitation is scheduled Friday, March 3, 2017 from 12:00 - 1:00pm at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hill, 9700 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX 78750 with the service to follow at 11:00pm. Graveside service will be Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Cathedral of the Pines Cemetery, 7825 S Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 78703. More details can be found at http://tiny.cc/Pappy.
Please join in remembering "Pappy" by visiting the Memorial at www.cookwaldenchapelofthe hills.com. Through this site, you are invited to share thoughts and fond memories with the family.
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