John Allen DeVeaux Jr.

He was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on May 25, 1937 to Chaplain (Colonel, Ret.) John A. DeVeaux, Sr. and wife Della. John was an “Army brat” who graduated from Stanton High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, during which time he was the first black president of men's student government. He earned three Masters Degrees, one of them from Drew University.

He joined the United States Army as a Chaplain in 1961, receiving assignments including serving in the Vietnam War, teaching at the U.S. Army Chaplain School, and graduating from the United States Army War College.

He served three tours at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; Patrick Henry Village in Heidelberg, Germany; Wurzburg, Germany; Ft. Sill, Oklahoma; and Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. During his military career, he received the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement and service in a combat zone. He earned the Master Parachutist badge, various unit citations, and the Legion of Merit.

Retiring after 30 years, he became pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church in Topeka, Kansas, until fully retiring in Las Vegas in 2004.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, James Daniel DeVeaux. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gaynell; daughter Faith of Washington, DC; son John III of Wilmington, North Carolina; sister Leanora D. Brown of Yellow Springs, Ohio and family; brother Bishop William P. DeVeaux of Mapleton, GA and family; and brother-in-law James Harris of Washington, DC and family.

Arrangements for burial at Arlington Cemetery are being handled by Palm Eastern.