George E. Devine, 95, passed way at home on June 22, 2019 in Woodward, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held at McLaren's Funeral Chapel in West Des Moines on July 13, 2019 at 1 p.m. followed by burial at Resthaven Cemetery. A visitation with the family will be held Friday, July 12, 2019 from 5 - 8 p.m. at McLaren’s Funeral Chapel.
George was born on July 23, 1923 to Edward and Beulah Perry in Detroit, MI. Beulah passed shortly after his birth and he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Ruth and O.B. Devine (Mom and Dad). He spent most of his life in Des Moines, with short stints in Minnesota and Oregon. He attended Roosevelt High School and then McPherson College before entering the US Navy in 1943 during WWII. He received his 'Gold Wings' as a Naval Aviator during the war and remained in the Naval Reserves for a total of 21 years. During that time, he flew 19 different WWII Navy fighter planes up to and including swept wing jets. He loved to fly whenever he could and flew 37 different aircraft, both military and civilian throughout his life. He was extremely proud of his military career.
He loved anything with a motor and owned motorcycles, boats, RV’s, cars and even a dune buggy. He loved to travel and visited numerous places through cruises, tours and road trips with the love of his life, Phyllis (Schmitt) whom he married in 1979. He was a businessman in Des Moines, IA from 1947 until 1987 when he sold Devine Office Equipment and retired. He was a member of the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shrine. He belonged to the Chanters group in the Shrine where he sang and performed with the group throughout Iowa. He didn’t know a stranger and was always quick with a smile, story or practical joke. He loved to pull pranks on his friends and would probably do so now if he were able.
He is survived by his sons George Jr (Teri) of Cottage Grove, OR and Mark of Woodward, IA, daughter Sara of Houston, TX, step daughter Sue Schmitt of Long Beach, CA, special friend Ruth Brown, Urbandale, IA, 4 grandchildren (Heather, Jeff (Cindy), Dustin (Kendra), Dillon (Chelsey), and 5 great grandchildren (Nate, Lily, Gemma, Alder, Waylon). He was preceded in death by his wife,Phyllis and step son, Bob Schmitt.
Donations may be made to MercyOne Des Moines Foundation for the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at 411 Laurel Street, Suite 2250, Des Moines, IA 50314.
