Lawrence "Larry" J. Devlin

Lansing, Michigan

Age 79; died September 20, 2014 in Lansing, MI; born July 23, 1935 in Lansing, MI to William and Irene (Early) Devlin. Larry was a lifelong resident of Lansing, attended Resurrection Elementary School and graduated from Resurrection High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany from 1954-1956. After 28 years of service with the Lansing Fire Department, Larry retired in 1987 as an Assistant Chief. He started with the Fire Department on November 1, 1959 as a firefighter. was promoted to Engineer on November 9, 1975, assigned to Fire Prevention as an Inspector II on September 27, 1978, promoted to Inspector IV on January 13, 1980, was Arson Coordinator for six years and promoted to Assistant Chief on September 2, 1984. His Assistant Chief responsibilities include Training, E.M.S. Services, Civil Emergencies, Firefighting Command, Grants, Public Relations, Department Records, Pre-Fire Planning, Department Supplies, Clothing, Budgets and Standby. Larry received his Fire Science Degree in 1976 and a Law Enforcement Degree in 1983. A special tribute was given to him by the Mayor and City Council for "Resolution of Volunteer Recognition" on April 26, 1985. He was instrumental in instituting the Match Program in the Fire Prevention Bureau. This program is designed to emphasize the hazards of fire to problem juveniles. Larry assisted in the establishment of the Arson Task Force which is the combined investigation process between Police and Fire Departments. As Assistant Chief, his persistence provided for the Department's enhanced utilization of National Fire Academy courses. Larry was a member of the Old Newsboys and The Hundred Club. He enjoyed his time at the cottage, lived life to its fullest and loved his family. Preceded in death are his parents; his brothers, Joseph, William, John and Tommy; and his sisters, Marie, Margaret and Rosemary. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Bethany; daughter, Colleen Devlin; son, Christopher (Robyn) Devlin; grandchildren, Lindsey Kennedy, Taylor and Christopher Jacob Devlin; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral mass will be held Tuesday, September 23, 10:30 AM at Church of the Resurrection, 1531 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI with Rev. William Lugger officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, September 22, 2-4PM and 6-8PM with Rosary at 7:00PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI and on Tuesday, September 23, 9:30-10:30 AM at Church of the Resurrection. Rite of committal will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Lansing, MI with military honors. Those desiring may make contributions to: Church of the Resurrection, Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48915, Old Newsboys, P. O. Box 14058, Lansing, MI 48901; or The Hundred Club of Greater Lansing, 3315 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing, MI 48910 in memory of Larry. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com