OBITUARY
Jon L Devner
April 5, 1943 – January 24, 2013
Jon L Devner died peacefully at home on January 24, 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Lawrence and Kathleen Breckenridge Devner, Jon arrived on April 5, 1943. An Arizona resident since 1951, Jon graduated from Catalina High School and enrolled at the University of Arizona where he joined Air Force ROTC. Called to duty during the Vietnam Conflict, Jon served as an Air Force officer from 1967-1971 before returning to the University of Arizona to complete his Master’s degree in government. Forever grateful for his education, Jon was a passionate supporter of the U of A. Upon completion of his education, Jon worked in Arizona government for 20 years. He served as the Assistant City Manager in Sierra Vista, and as the City Manager in Cottonwood, Show Low, Lake Havasu City, and Oro Valley. Jon became the Community Manager of the Leisure World Community Association in 1993, and stayed in that position until 2010. After retiring he worked part time at Trilogy at Power Ranch until the spring of 2012. Belonging to many professional organizations showed Jon’s commitment to his work. He belonged to the Community Associations Institute, and was a past member of the International City/County Management Association, a past member and past president of Arizona City/County Management Association, and the American Society for Public Administration. Community service came naturally to Jon. He was a past member of the East Mesa Rotary Club, in which he served as their president from 1999 until 2001; he remained a Rotarian until 2010. Other community service contributions include previous service on the University of Arizona National Board of Directors, East Valley Senior Services, Inc., and the Mesa United Way Board of Directors. Reliability and honesty were character traits that Jon exhibited continually throughout his life. These were also the traits he expected from those around him. Seeing the bigger picture came easily to Jon. His considerate, compassionate, sympathetic disposition was apparent in his interactions with his employees as well as with family and friends. Believing in staying fit, Jon exercised consistently five times every week for most of his life. Being outside enjoying life brought Jon much happiness. He truly loved scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and swimming. In fact, swimming was so significant to Jon, that he was a member of the University of Arizona swim team for four years, coached at the YMCA, and taught his grandchildren how to swim. In his forties he also participated in the Senior Olympics. Marrying the love of his life, Mary Kay, on June 10, 1967 in Tucson, Arizona was one of the brightest points in Jon’s life. Mary Kay fell head over heels for his charming, romantic personality. They spent 45 years in a marriage filled with love, consideration and fun. Remaining true to his considerate nature, Jon frequently brought Mary Kay flowers not waiting for just special occasions. Jon was a smart man who was sometimes organized to a fault. Not being a procrastinator, he truly was a perfect balance with Mary Kay. When a vacation was planned, he handed Mary Kay the itinerary. The destination usually included great bodies of water. Some of his favorite journeys included Tahiti, Aruba and numerous vacations in Hawaii and Mexico. He truly was a gentleman and a great role model for his sons, Jon E. and Daniel. Family was important to Jon, and he treasured being Grandpa. Teaching his grandchildren how to swim was a joy. Jon is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kay, son Jon E. and daughter-in law Bernita, son Daniel and girlfriend Nina Murphy, brother Jerry, grandchildren Savannah White, Serenity Devner, and Kaylee Devner. A memorial service honoring Jon will be held on February 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care 6747 East Broadway Road Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480) 830-4422. Please share memories of Jon by visiting the family’s website at www.MariposaGardens.com.
Services
- Memorial Service Saturday, February 9, 2013
REMEMBERING
Jon L Devner
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RECEIVE UPDATESAllan Bogutz
June 6, 2013
Mary Kay:
I just learned of Jon's death and am so saddened. Our times go way back and as we have both moved we have lost contact. My memories of our times together are warm and I share your loss. Allan Bogutz
Ralph Velez
February 9, 2013
Mary Kay. So sorry to hear about Jon's passing. Jon, I and a few other city managers go back a few years and much to Jon's credit, he was one of the best. My condolences to and your famiy.
Jeff Wincel
February 9, 2013
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Jeff Wincel
February 9, 2013
Our prayers and sympathies are with you at this difficult time. Jon was a wonderful person and an inspiration to me as we worked together at Orange Tree.
February 9, 2013
Mary Kay,
Gary and I cherish the opportunities we had to visit with you and Jon, and to enjoy a play or some good music. We will miss those good times.
Pat and Gary Adams
Mary Titus
February 8, 2013
Mary Kay and family - your yearbook family is thinking of you and send our love to surround you.
Mary Titus
February 8, 2013
Mary Kay and family,
I had the privilege of working for Jon the seventeen years he was at Leisure World. He was always a true professional and respected by all the residents, staff and board members he touched. His legacy lives on here in the many projects he worked on and supported. My thoughts are with you and your family. He will be missed by many.
Jan Zale, Director of Recreation, Leisure World Arizona
February 5, 2013
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Denise Blommel
February 4, 2013
Dear Mary and family
Jon was a mentor and role model to many of us. He was my best client. I tried my best to live up to his expectations. He always challenged me to do my best. I will miss him greatly, as will others in the Community Associations world.
Bob Wilmarth
February 3, 2013
Mary Kay: I am so sorry for your loss. I knew and worked for John for over 8 years. He was always a true professional, and will be deeply missed. May God bless you and your family.
Bob Wilmarth
February 3, 2013
Mary Kay and family, Jon was always a great supporter of our organization, East Valley Adult Resources, serving on the Board of Directors for six years (1994-99) which included leading the organization as President. His support while he was with Leisure World provided the opportunity for us to expand our services in the community. I will miss his energy and insight.
Dan Taylor, East Valley Adult Resources, Mesa, AZ
Dick McComb
January 30, 2013
Mary Kay, it was my great pleasure to have known Jon. As a fellow City Manager and friend, I often sought his advice over the years and he was always there for me. My prayers are with you, your family and Jon. Dick McComb
Shelly Holland
January 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss. I have known Jon through the association industry for many years. He always had a warm smile and hug for me each time we saw each other. I can't remember a time that he wasn't upbeat and positive. He was a tremendous leader in his profession and he will be missed my many.
Carl and Martha Koestner
January 30, 2013
Mary Kay, The friends of our youth touch us deeply. Martha and I valued our opportunity to meet and know the Devners during those wonderful Cottonwood years. I still tell the story of Jon sticking me with the BS repellent at the Koestner Christmas party. It made my day when he got the scotch bottle with stale tea!
Carl and Martha Koestner
Albuquerque, NM
Christopher and Shyrlene Brooks
January 30, 2013
Mary Kay -- our spirits ache to think about Jon's passing and how hard it must be for you, and your sons, as well. The two of you seemed like the model married couple when Mitch and I met you in 1976 when we came to the U -- you were both beautiful people, kind, and very open and welcoming to the Meyer clan. Jon's counsel to us was always beneficial and gladly received. There wasn't a time when we weren't in awe of him. It was always a special treat to see you both as occasion permitted over the years. May God bless you with the healing only He can give at a time like this. We'll be praying for you, and keeping you close in our thoughts. Much love,
Mary Schmit
January 30, 2013
Dear Mary and Family , words cannot express our sorrow after hearing that Jon had passed. He was a wonderful man , so helpful to all of us in the Association business , thoughtful , kind ... Finally got that darn cell phone .. :-) so many fond memories of our CAI conventions together .. And of course how much he loved you and his family ...I just can't express how much we will all miss our good friend Jon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
January 30, 2013
Mary Kay
I was so sorry to hear about Jon's passing; please accept my most sincere condolences. He was wonderful to work with and very supportive of our work at the League. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant for local government in Arizona. Jack DeBolske sends his condolences as well. Jon will be missed.
Cathy Connolly
Former Director
League of Arizona Cities and Towns